Over 17,000 Carers in Cork to Receive €2,000 Support Grant this week

17,459 Carers in Cork will receive the Carer’s Support Grant this week, with payment being made on Thursday, 4th June, Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, John Paul O’Shea, has said.

Deputy O’Shea said “The grant is worth €2,000 and is available to Carers in Cork providing full-time care to an older person or a person with a disability. Fine Gael in government increased this grant to €2,000 – its highest level ever – and ensured that the grant is exempt from income tax, PRSI or USC. 17,459 carers in Cork who provide care for two or more people will receive a grant in respect of each person being cared for, helping to address the additional expense and challenges associated with caring for multiple people.

Deputy O’Shea added “If you are already a recipient of Carer’s Allowance (full rate or half rate), Carer’s Benefit, or Domiciliary Care Allowance, there is no need to apply; you will automatically receive the grant. However, if you are not receiving any of these payments but are a full-time carer, you can still apply.

“The Carer’s Support Grant represents an allocation of some €336m to more than 147,000 carers across Ireland and helps to recognise the valuable work that carers do – work that is of huge benefit to our society. This grant should assist carers to provide the best care possible, reduce the risk of injury, and help family carers cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of their role,” Deputy O’Shea concluded.