Budget 2026 Delivers Major Supports for Pensioners and Carers – O’Shea

Pensioners, carers and people with a disability in Cork will see their weekly payments increased by €10, Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul O’Shea has said.

Deputy O’ Shea said supports for older people and carers will go a long way to helping those who have worked hard and contributed so much to the country. “I’m delighted to see the measures introduced by Fine Gael in the Budget benefit older people and carers across Ireland. At a time of economic uncertainty, Fine Gael has made a conscious decision to help those most in need, including pensioners and carers. We will increase the old age pension by €10 – around twice the 2% rate of inflation.

Deputy O’Shea added “We will also increase the Fuel Allowance for all recipients by €5 from January. This increase will support those facing high fuel costs. There will also be a Christmas Bonus which means a 100% increase in the weekly rate of payment for eligible recipients: including pensioners, people with disabilities, carers and lone parents. We’ll also see the process begin to abolish the means test for carers by increasing the earning disregard for Carer’s Allowance by €375 to €1,000 for a single person and by €750 to €2,000 for a couple and increase the associated Carer’s Benefit income limit by €200 to €825”.

“Fine Gael is working hard to deliver for pensioners and carers in Cork and Budget 2026 is making huge advancements towards this”, concluded Deputy O’Shea.

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