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Carer's Allowance is a weekly payment for people who care for someone. The person needs care because of age, disability or illness.
You must be 18 or over.
You must care for the person for at least 35 hours a week.
If they are 16 or over, they must need full-time care for at least 12 months.
You cannot work, study or train for more than 18.5 hours a week.
Your income is checked. This is called a means test.
In 2026 it is up to €270 a week if you are under 66 and care for 1 person.
You also get the Carer's Support Grant every June.
You can apply online on MyWelfare.ie.
Or post the paper form called CR1.
The doctor of the person you care for fills in a form called CARMED1.
The Carer's Allowance Section's phone number is 0818 927 770.
If you think you were wrongly refused, you can appeal. Do it within 60 days.
A Citizens Information centre can help you fill in the form.
Every sentence on this page is checked against the official page every night: www.citizensinformation.ie.