what is carers support grant

The Carers Support Grant is an annual payment made to carers by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) in Ireland. It used to be called the Respite Care Grant. The grant is paid automatically to people getting Carer’s Allowance (both full rate and half-rate), Carer’s Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance. If you are not getting one of these payments, you can still qualify for the Carer’s Support Grant if you meet certain conditions. The grant is paid once a year, usually on the first Thursday in June, and the rate for 2023 is €1,850. Carers can use the grant in whatever way they like, including paying for respite care, but they do not have to. If you are caring for more than one person, a grant is paid for each of them. The Carer’s Support Grant is fully exempt from income tax, PRSI, and USC. If you are getting Carers Allowance, Carers Benefit, or Domiciliary Care Allowance, you do not need to apply for the Carer’s Support Grant. It will be automatically paid to you in June. If you are not getting one of the above payments, you should fill in an application form CSG 1 in respect of each person you are caring for.