Thousands more to qualify for up to €447 payment under new budget plans

The income disregard for the payment is set to be raised.

This comes as the income disregard for the payment is set to be raised.

According to the Irish Independent the income disregard for the Carer’s Allowance is set to increase by €200 to €825 a month for a single person and €400 to €1,650 a month for a couple.

The change will allow for thousands more people to qualify for the payments of up to €447 per week.

To claim the weekly payment, applicants must provide full‑time care (35+ hours/week) as well as meeting the revised means test.

Such proposals were discussed at a Fine Gael conference with Finance Minister, Paschal Donohoe, not confirming specifics.

However, he did say that supporting carers remains a 'key focus' for the government.

“Our economy is doing well and our businesses, of all sizes, are central to that.

“Our labour market is strong, with record high employment and more people than ever at work, at 2.8 million people.

“Tens of thousands of jobs have been added already this year, making a real difference to the lives of many," he stated.

Furthermore, a €7 weekly increase in the fuel allowance is also being considered, benefitting about 410,000 households.

Unlikely to be revised in October 7th's budget are payments such as the €250 energy credit, €1,000 college fee reduction, and addition Child Benefit payments.