Carer's Allowance is a weekly payment if you care full-time for someone who needs it. Here is who qualifies, what you need and how to apply on MyWelfare.
The numbers
€270maximum weekly rate if you are under 66 (€280 from January 2027)
18.5 hrsmost you can work or study each week
Onlineapply on MyWelfare.ie, or by post with form CR1
€1,000weekly income ignored in the means test for a single person
Carer's Allowance is a means-tested weekly payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) for people who care full-time for someone. You apply for free on MyWelfare or by post with form CR1.
Who this is for
- You are 18 or over and habitually resident in Ireland.
- You care for someone aged 16 or over who needs full-time care for at least 12 months, or a child under 16 who gets Domiciliary Care Allowance.
- Full-time care means at least 35 hours a week, over 5 to 7 days.
- You do not work, study, train or volunteer for more than 18.5 hours a week in total.
- The person you care for does not live in a hospital, nursing home or similar place.
- You pass a means test. Since 2 July 2026, the first €1,000 a week of income is ignored for a single person, or €2,000 for a couple.
What you need
- A verified MyGovID to apply online
- Your PPS (Personal Public Service) number
- Details of your income and your partner's income, and any savings or property
- A medical report, form CARMed1, filled in by the cared-for person's doctor (not needed for a child on Domiciliary Care Allowance)
- Form CA-ER1 from your employer if you work, or CAR-ED1 if you study
Step by step
- Check you meet the conditions on the gov.ie Carer's Allowance page.
- Ask the cared-for person's doctor to fill in form CARMed1.
- Log in to MyWelfare with your verified MyGovID and choose Carer's Allowance.
- Fill in the form with details of your care, work, income and savings.
- Send the CARMed1 and any CA-ER1 or CAR-ED1 form within 21 days of your online application.
- To apply by post instead, fill in form CR1 and send it with your documents to the Carer's Allowance Section, Social Welfare Services Office, Longford, N39 E4E0.
- Use a separate CR1 for each person you care for.
- Wait for a decision. You may get Supplementary Welfare Allowance while you wait.
How much it costs and how long it takes
Applying is free. The DSP does not publish a set processing time. Your rate depends on your means.
Maximum weekly Carer's Allowance
| Your situation | 2026 | From January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Under 66, caring for 1 person | €270 | €280 |
| 66 or over, caring for 1 person | €308 | €318 |
| Under 66, caring for 2 or more | €405 | Up to 50% more than the 1-person rate |
| 66 or over, caring for 2 or more | €462 | Up to 50% more than the 1-person rate |
| Half-rate, under 66 (with another payment) | €135 | To check |
Source: Citizens Information, gov.ie
€1,150
weekly income disregard for a single person from July 2027 (€2,300 for a couple), announced in Budget 2027.Source: citizensinformation.ie
€2,000
Carer's Support Grant, paid automatically each June for each person you care for. It was paid on 4 June 2026.Source: citizensinformation.ie
Common mistakes
- Missing the 21-day limit for sending the medical and other forms after applying online.
- Counting only paid work. Voluntary work, training and study also count towards the 18.5 hours.
- Not applying because your partner works. A couple can have €2,000 a week of income ignored before it affects the payment.
- Using one form for two people. You need a CR1 for each person you care for.
- Not reporting changes, such as a new job or the person going into care.
If something goes wrong
- Carer's Allowance Section: 0818 927 770 or (043) 334 0000, or email Carersallowance@welfare.ie.
- If you are refused, appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 60 days of the decision.
- Citizens Information Phone Service: 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Related guides
- How to get a verified MyGovID
- How to apply for the Fuel Allowance
- How to apply for the Household Benefits Package
- How to apply for HSE home support
- How to apply for Disability Allowance
Recent changes and what to check
January 2027
Maximum weekly rates rise by €10 (Budget 2027)
July 2027
Income disregard rises to €1,150 single and €2,300 couple (Budget 2027)
June 2027
Next Carer's Support Grant, €2,000 per person cared for
