Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) Payment Dates

Domiciliary Care Allowance is paid the third Tuesday of every month — currently €380 a month. Below is every payment date through the end of 2027, with the 0 dates that shift because of a bank holiday or weekend clearly marked. Nothing here needs a sign-up.

Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment for a child under 16 who has a severe disability and needs care substantially more than another child of the same age. It is not means tested. Getting DCA also means the child automatically qualifies for a medical card, and you may qualify for Carer's Allowance and the annual Carer's Support Grant of €2,000.

When is Domiciliary Care Allowance paid in 2026 and 2027?

Domiciliary Care Allowance is paid on the third Tuesday of every month, currently €380 a month per qualifying child. If that Tuesday falls on a bank holiday or weekend, payment moves to the working day before — you're never paid late or skip a payment. See the full table below for every date through the end of 2027.

Dates highlighted in amber are moved earlier because the normal day is a bank holiday or a weekend. You are never paid late and you never lose a payment — the date just comes forward.

What happens on a bank holiday?

If your DCA payment date falls on a bank holiday, it is issued on the previous working day — usually the Friday before a Monday holiday. You are never paid twice and you never lose a payment; the date simply moves earlier, and the Christmas Bonus is added automatically in the first week of December.

If your payment is due on a bank holiday, it is issued on the previous working day — normally the Friday before a Monday bank holiday. Money going to a bank account arrives early; if you collect at the post office it is available from that day. You are not paid twice and you do not lose anything.

The Christmas Bonus — an extra 100% of your weekly payment, minimum €20 — normally lands in the first week of December, automatically, if you are on a long-term payment. Rates themselves change each January after the Budget: see what is coming in Budget 2027.

Are you claiming everything you are entitled to?

Not necessarily. Getting DCA also means your child automatically qualifies for a medical card, and you may be able to claim Carer's Allowance and the annual €2,000 Carer's Support Grant on top — use the free 60-second checker below to see everything you might be owed.

Knowing the date only helps if you are getting the payment in the first place. Hundreds of thousands of people in Ireland never claim what they are owed. Our free checker takes about 60 seconds. For full eligibility rules and how to apply, see our Domiciliary Care Allowance guide.

Check what you can claim — free →

Common questions

What day is DCA paid each month?

Domiciliary Care Allowance is paid on the third Tuesday of every month. It is a monthly payment, which is why it does not follow the weekly pattern of most other schemes.

How much is Domiciliary Care Allowance in 2026?

€380 a month for each qualifying child. It is not means tested and is not affected by your income.

Does DCA include a Christmas Bonus?

Yes. Domiciliary Care Allowance is a long-term payment, so it qualifies for the Christmas Bonus, normally paid in the first week of December with your usual payment.

What date is DCA paid this month?

Domiciliary Care Allowance is always paid on the third Tuesday of the month, currently €380 per qualifying child — check the table on this page for the exact date this month and next. If that Tuesday falls on a bank holiday, the payment moves to the working day before instead.

Other payment dates

• Child Benefit payment dates
• State Pension payment dates
• Disability Allowance payment dates
• One-Parent Family Payment payment dates
• Christmas payment dates & the Christmas Bonus
• Fuel Allowance payment dates 2026/27
• All social welfare payment dates & the bank holiday checker

Dates are worked out from published Department of Social Protection payment rules and the official Irish public holiday list. We are independent and take no money from any bank, advertiser or government body. If your circumstances are unusual, check MyWelfare or your award letter.