Helpful Information About Financial Supports
Domicillary Care Allowance
Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment provided by the Irish government to parents or guardians of children who have serious care needs. It helps cover the additional expenses involved in caring for a child with a disability. Eligibility depends on the level of the child's care needs, not on household income, as the allowance is not means-tested. Read more abut DCA.
Disability Allowance
Disability Allowance is a social welfare payment paid to eligible people from 16 years of age. Read more about Disability Allowance.
Carer's Benefit/AllowanceÂ
Carer’s Benefit is a payment for eligible individuals who need to take time off work or reduce their working hours to provide full-time care to someone in need. You can receive this benefit if you meet the social contribution and other conditions. Read more about Carer's Benefit.
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Carer’s Allowance is a payment for people on low incomes who provide full-time care to someone who needs support
Read more about Carer’s Allowance.
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The main difference between these payments are:
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Carer’s Allowance
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Means-tested (based on your income and assets)
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You do not need to have worked previously
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Can be paid long-term, as long as eligibility continue
Carer’s Benefit
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Not means-tested, but you must have paid enough PRSI (social insurance) contributions
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Aimed at people who are leaving work or reducing hours to care for someone
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Paid for a limited time – up to 2 years (104 weeks) per person cared for
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Often used for short- to medium-term care breaks from employment
Carer's Support Grant
The Carer's Support Grant is an annual payment provided to caregivers who receive Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, or Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA). It is also available to specific other caregivers who offer full-time care. Read more about the Carer's Support grant.
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