That earnings limit rose from €625 on 2 July 2026, and self-employed people can now claim too. Pair it with unpaid carer's leave so your job is kept open.
Quick facts
- Weekly rate
- €271 (one person)
- Caring for more than one
- €406.50
- How long
- 104 weeks per person
- Means test
- None
- Work allowed
- 18.5 hours, up to €1,000 net a week
- Extras
- GP visit card, Carer's Support Grant
Who qualifies
You must be 16 or over and have "You have been employed or self-employed for at least 8 weeks in the previous 26-weeks and worked a minimum of 16 hours each week or 32 hours a fortnight". "Carer's Benefit was extended to self-employed people from January 2025."
PRSI: "To get Carer's Benefit, you must have at least 156 contributions paid at any time since you first started work", plus 39 in the relevant tax year (2024 for 2026 claims), or 39 in the last 12 months, or 26 in each of the last two relevant years.
What counts as full-time care
The person needs continual supervision to stay safe, or frequent help through the day with walking, eating, washing or dressing. Their doctor fills in the medical report, unless they're a child on Domiciliary Care Allowance. The person can live elsewhere in the EU or UK.
Working while you claim
"You are not employed, self-employed, doing voluntary work, training or any education courses for more than 18.5 hours a week". "You don't earn over €1,000 per week after tax and other deductions from employment or self-employment while getting Carer's Benefit (Before 2 July 2026, it was €625)."
Rates and how long
"Caring for 1 person €271"; "Caring for more than 1 person €406.50", plus Child Support Payments. "You can get Carer's Benefit for 2 years (104 weeks) for each person that you are caring for." "Carer's Benefit is taxable ."
You can split the 104 weeks. "However, if you claim Carer's Benefit for less than 6 weeks in a row, you must wait another 6 weeks before you can get Carer's Benefit for the same person again."
"If you get Carer's Benefit, you can also get a GP visit card ." "If the person you are caring for dies, your Carer's Benefit payment will continue for 6 weeks following the death."
How to apply
"You should apply for Carer's Benefit at least 6 weeks before you plan to leave work." Apply on MyWelfare.ie or form CARB1, with the doctor's form CARMed1 and your employer's certificate, within 21 days. After 104 weeks, check Carer's Allowance, which is means-tested.
Common questions
How much is Carer's Benefit in 2026?
€271 a week for caring for one person, or €406.50 for more than one, plus Child Support Payments.
Is Carer's Benefit means-tested?
No. It's based on your PRSI contributions.
Can I work and get Carer's Benefit?
Yes, up to 18.5 hours a week, and you can earn up to €1,000 a week after tax and deductions (from 2 July 2026; before that €625).
How long can I get Carer's Benefit?
Up to 104 weeks for each person you care for, taken in one block or in separate periods.
Can self-employed people get Carer's Benefit?
Yes, since January 2025.