10 Jul 2026
Looking after a loved one full-time can be emotionally, physically, and financially demanding. To support unpaid carers, the Irish government provides an annual payment known as the Carer's Support Grant, formerly called the Respite Care Grant.
This social welfare payment helps people caring for someone with an illness, disability, or age-related condition. Whether you care for a family member, spouse, child, or friend, this guide explains eligibility rules, payment amounts, and application steps.
The Carer's Support Grant is a yearly payment provided by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) in Ireland. It was previously known as the Respite Care Grant.
Key features:
The Respite Care Grant is worth €2,000 in 2026 for each eligible person receiving care. It is paid annually on the first Thursday in June. You may receive a separate grant for each eligible person you care for.
Figures correct as of 2026, subject to change. Verify at gov.ie/citizensinformation.ie before acting.
The Carer's Support Grant is not means-tested, is fully exempt from income tax, and is not based on PRSI contributions.
More than 138,000 carers received the grant in 2025. The payment increased to €2,000 in 2025 and annual scheme expenditure reached approximately €313 million. Organisations like Family Carers Ireland provide support, training, and advice to unpaid carers across the country.
Figures correct as of 2026, subject to change. Verify at citizensinformation.ie before acting.
Basic eligibility requirements:
You generally cannot work or attend education or training for more than 18.5 hours per week, receive Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit, or live in a hospital, nursing home, or similar residential institution.
If you receive Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit, or Domiciliary Care Allowance, you usually do not need to apply — the grant is paid automatically in June each year.
If you are not receiving one of the qualifying payments, you must complete a Carer's Support Grant application form (CSG1) for each person you care for. The CSG1 form is available from the Department of Social Protection, your local Intreo Centre, or a Citizens Information Centre.
For example, apply for the 2026 grant between April 2026 and 31 December 2027.
The Carer's Support Grant (formerly the Respite Care Grant) provides essential financial support to thousands of unpaid carers in Ireland who care for loved ones with illness, disability, or age-related needs. With an annual tax-free payment of €2,000, it helps ease the financial pressure of full-time caring responsibilities.
To send money home securely, visit acemoneytransfer.com or download the ACE Money Transfer app.
People providing full-time care to someone with a disability, illness, or age-related condition may qualify.
Yes. The Carer's Support Grant is an annual payment and is not means-tested, while Carer's Allowance is a weekly means-tested payment.
Yes, you can work or study while receiving the grant if you continue meeting the full-time care conditions (not exceeding 18.5 hours per week).
€2,000 per year for each eligible person being cared for. Figures correct as of 2026, subject to change. Verify at gov.ie.
You can apply through the Department of Social Protection by completing the CSG1 application form if you do not qualify automatically.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, regulatory, tax, business, or financial advice. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all facts, figures, and data are accurate and valid as of the date of publication, no warranty or guarantee is given as to the ongoing completeness, accuracy, or currency of the information The content is based on information available at the time of publication. Regulations, government policies, market conditions, and service offerings may change over time and vary across jurisdictions and providers. As a result, some information may no longer be current or applicable. Readers should independently verify all information and consult qualified professional advisors before making any financial, legal, or business decisions.
