Thousands more carers are expected to qualify for Carer’s Allowance from today following significant changes to the scheme’s means test.

The weekly income disregard has increased from €625 to €1,000 for a single person, and from €1,250 to €2,000 for a couple. The changes mean a two adult household earning up to around €110,000 can now retain the full Carer’s Allowance, with partial payments available on incomes of up to approximately €138,000.

The Government says the changes will allow many carers to qualify for the payment for the first time, while almost 2,700 existing recipients will see their weekly payment increase. A single carer working part time can now earn up to €50,000 a year and still receive the full allowance.

Fine Gael Minister Waterford TD John Cummins welcomed the changes, saying they are a major step towards the eventual abolition of the Carer’s Allowance means test and will ensure more carers receive the financial support they deserve.