Local politician calls for extension of benefits for carers

Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has called for benefits for carers to be increased in Budget 2025 in recognition of the immense service of these voluntary workers.

The Longford-Westmeath TD urged the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, to extend the Living Alone Allowance and Fuel Allowance criteria to allow carers to benefit from the payment as part of this year's budget measures.

The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks, a total of €924 each year, from late September to April.

Deputy Troy said: “Carers in communities across this country provide an immense service to their local communities and to the State. Without their voluntary efforts, there would be a substantial increase in demand on State services.

"We need to recognise the hugely important role carers provide by increasing the supports available to them. That is why I'm calling on the Minister for Protection to widen the criteria for the Living Alone and Fuel allowances.”

The Minister for Protection, in response to a parliamentary question from Deputy Troy, said while a person in receipt of Carer's Allowance may be caring for people who have a long- term illness or disability, payment is not paid on the basis of an illness or disability of the person being cared for.

Therefore the Living Alone Increase is not payable to those solely in receipt of Carer's Allowance.

The Minister said: “While Carer's Allowance is not a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance, a person in receipt of Carer's Allowance may avail of the Fuel Allowance payment in certain circumstances.

"Fuel Allowance is a household-based payment, and a carer will very often live with and care for a person in receipt of a qualifying payment for Fuel Allowance.”

She added: "Any further widening of the qualifying criteria for accessing the Living Alone increase or the Fuel Allowance scheme can only be considered while taking account of the overall policy and budgetary situation."