The vital payment is paid out to those who need it every year and the date is confirmed – here’s everything you need to know about when it will be paid and to whom
18:20, 07 Feb 2026Updated 18:20, 07 Feb 2026
Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary(Image: Collins)
The Carer’s Support Grant is set to be paid to thousands of people in a few months as the payment date has been confirmed.
People who get three specific payments from the Department of Social Protection get the Carer’s Support Grant automatically, but others are also eligible and can apply.
Here’s everything you need to know, including the full list of people who can claim the grant.
What is the Carer’s Support Grant?
The Carer’s Support Grant is paid to carers once a year by the Department of Social Protection (DSP). It used to be called the Respite Care Grant.
You can use the grant in whatever way you like. You can use it to pay for respite care, but you don’t have to.
When is it paid?
The Carer’s Support Grant will be paid on 4th June 2026.
Full list of people who can claim
The Carer’s Support Grant is paid automatically to people getting one of the following payments on the first Thursday in June:
- Carer’s Allowance (both full rate and half-rate)
- Carer’s Benefit
- Domiciliary Care Allowance.
The Carer’s Support Grant is not a means-tested payment.
If you are not getting one of these payments, you can still qualify for the Carer’s Support Grant.
You must be:
- Aged 16 or over
- Ordinarily resident in Ireland
- Caring for the person on a full-time basis
- Caring for the person for at least 6 months (this 6-month period must include the first Thursday in June)
- Living with the person being cared for (or if you don’t live with them, you must meet certain criteria – for example, the person must be able to contact you quickly and directly)
During this 6-month caring period, you cannot:
- Work more than 18.5 hours per week (as an employee or in self-employment)
- Take part in an education or training course for more than 18.5 hours a week
- Get Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit
- Sign on for credited contributions
- Live in a hospital, convalescent home or similar institution
How much is the Carer’s Support Grant?
In 2025, the Carer’s Support Grant will be €2,000.
In 2024, the Carer’s Support Grant was €1,850.
You can get a Carer’s Support Grant for each person you are caring for.
How to apply
If you are getting Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance, you do not need to apply for the Carer’s Support Grant. You will automatically get it in June.
If you are not getting one of the above payments, you should fill in a Carer’s Support Grant application form (pdf) for each person you are caring for.