Information current as of August 2026. Rates and thresholds are reviewed annually (usually in the Budget) and change through the year. Always confirm current figures on the official site linked under each entry. This page is for general information and signposting, not financial or legal advice.
Social Welfare Supports
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is a weekly social welfare payment to people who care for someone because of their age, disability, or illness. The payment is means-tested, meaning your income and financial circumstances are assessed to determine whether you qualify for the payment and how much you may receive.
You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the Carer’s Allowance. Namely, you must:
- provide full-time care,
- be aged 18 or over,
- be habitually resident in Ireland,
- not be employed, self-employed, doing voluntary work, training, or any education courses for more than 18.5 hours a week,
- not live in a hospital, convalescent home, or a similar institution, and
- pass a means test.
If you get Carer’s Allowance, you automatically get Carer’s Support Grant in June each year.
Additionally, if you get Carer’s Allowance, you can also get a GP visit card.
Further information
For official information on the Carer’s Allowance, visit the Gov.ie Website (https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/carers-allowance/) or Citizens Information (https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/carers/carers-allowance/).
Carer’s Benefit
Carer’s Benefit is a weekly social welfare payment for people who leave work or reduce their working hours to provide full-time care for a person who needs ongoing support because of illness, disability, or age-related needs.
Unlike Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit is not means-tested. Instead, eligibility is based on your recent employment history and Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions.
You can receive Carer’s Benefit for up to 104 weeks (2 years) for each person you care for. The 104 weeks can be taken as one continuous period or in separate periods. If you claim less than 6 weeks in a row, you must wait another 6 weeks before claiming again for the same person.
To qualify for Carer’s Benefit, you must:
- Be aged 16 or over.
- Have enough PRSI contributions.
- Have been employed or self-employed for at least 8 weeks in the previous 26 weeks and worked a minimum of 16 hours per week or 32 hours per fortnight.
- Provide full-time care and attention to a person who needs it.
- Not live in a hospital, convalescent home, or similar institution.
- Not be employed, self-employed, doing voluntary work, training, or education for more than 18.5 hours per week.
- Earn no more than €1,000 per week after tax and allowable deductions while receiving Carer’s Benefit.
Further information
For official information on the Carer’s Benefit, visit the Gov.ie Website https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/carers-benefit/) or Citizens Information (https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/carers/carers-benefit/).
Carer’s Leave
Employees providing full-time care may be entitled to take Carer’s Leave for up to 104 weeks. Carer’s Leave is unpaid, but your employer must keep your job open for your return. You do not need to qualify for Carer’s Benefit to qualify for Carer’s Leave. Move information on Carer’s Leave is available below.
Further information
For official information on Carer’s Leave, visit Gov.ie (https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/carers-benefit/#carers-leave) or Citizens Information (https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment-rights-and-conditions/leave-and-holidays/carers-leave/).
Carer’s Support Grant
The Carer’s Support Grant is an annual payment made to carers who get Carer’s Allowance, or Carer’s Benefit. It can also be paid to certain other carers providing full-time care. Carers can use the grant in whatever way they wish.
You automatically qualify for the Carer’s Support Grant if you get Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit.
If you are not getting any of these payments, you may still qualify if you meet these conditions if:
- you are 16 or over
- you ordinarily reside in the Irish State
- you care for the person full time
- you have been caring for the person for a continuous period of at least six months, and this period includes the first Thursday in June
- you live with the person you are caring for or you are contactable quickly by a direct system of communication such as a telephone or an alarm
You do not qualify for Carer’s Support Grant if you are:
- working, self-employed, or on a training or education course for more than 18.5 hours a week. (Note: you must show us that the person you are caring for has adequate care while you are working, on an education course, or both)
- getting Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit
- signing on for credited contributions
- living in a hospital, convalescent home or similar institution
The Carer’s Support Grant is €2,000 for each person you are caring for. It is paid once each year, usually on the first Thursday in June. The Carer’s Support Grant is fully exempt from income tax, PRSI and USC.
Further information
For official information on the Carer’s Support Grant, visit Gov.ie (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/carers-support-grant/) or Citizens Information (www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social-welfare/carers/carers-support-grant/#ce7da7).
State Pension Credits for Carers
Three schemes protect a carer’s future State Pension (Contributory) entitlement against gaps caused by time spent caring:
- Long-Term Carers Contribution
- Homemaker’s Scheme
- HomeCaring Periods
Long-Term Carers Contribution
Long-Term Carers Contributions help people who have spent extended periods providing full-time care qualify for the State Pension (Contributory).
Under this scheme, periods spent caring can be added to your PRSI record. These contributions are not paid directly to you but may help improve your future State Pension entitlement.
Long-Term Carers Contributions can only be used towards the State Pension (Contributory) once you have accumulated at least 1,040 weeks (20 years) of qualifying contributions.
You may qualify if you provided full-time care for an incapacitated person. To qualify, you must:
- Have been aged 16 or over and under pension age during the period of care.
- Have been resident in Ireland during the caring period (subject to certain EU and posted worker exceptions).
- Not have been employed, self-employed, undertaking voluntary work, training, or education for more than 18.5 hours per week.
- Not have been receiving a weekly social welfare payment during the caring period, except certain qualifying payments such as Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, or the Carer’s Support Grant.
- Have provided full-time care and attention to the person being cared for.
In most cases, you must live with the person receiving care, although exceptions may apply where full-time care is still being provided.
Further information
For official information on Long-Term Carers Contributions, visit Gov.ie (https://www.gov.ie/en/service/long-term-carers-contributions/https://www.gov.ie/en/service/long-term-carers-contributions/) or MyWelfare.ie (https://services.mywelfare.ie/en/topics/pensions-and-older-people/pension-recalculation/).
Homemaker’s Scheme
The Homemaker’s Scheme helps people who leave employment to care for a child or an incapacitated adult qualify for a higher rate of State Pension (Contributory).
The scheme was introduced on 6 April 1994 and allows certain years spent caring to be disregarded when calculating pension entitlements. Up to 20 years can be disregarded under the scheme.
There is no payment attached to the Homemaker’s Scheme. Instead, it may help improve your future State Pension entitlement.
A homemaker is someone who provides full-time care for a person aged 12 or over who is incapacitated and requires full-time care.
To qualify, you must:
- Have been aged over 16 and under pension age during the caring period.
- Have permanently lived in Ireland during the caring period (subject to certain EU and posted worker exceptions).
- Have entered insurable employment or self-employment before reaching age 56.
- Not have been employed, self-employed, undertaking voluntary work, training, or education for more than 18.5 hours per week.
If you do not live with the person you care for, you may still qualify if:
- You have a direct system of communication with the person being cared for, such as a telephone or alarm system.
- No other person is providing full-time care to them in their home.
The person being cared for must require continual supervision or frequent assistance with their personal care needs.
Further information
For official information on the Homemaker’s Scheme, visit Gov.ie (https://www.gov.ie/en/service/homemakers-scheme/https://www.gov.ie/en/service/homemakers-scheme/) or MyWelfare.ie (https://services.mywelfare.ie/en/topics/pensions-and-older-people/caring-periods/).
HomeCaring Periods
The HomeCaring Periods Scheme helps people who leave the workforce to provide care qualify for a higher rate of State Pension (Contributory) when they reach pension age.
HomeCaring Periods recognise time spent providing full-time care and can be added to your social insurance record. This can improve your entitlement under the State Pension (Contributory) Total Contributions Approach.
There is no payment attached to the scheme. Instead, eligible caring periods are recorded and may increase your future pension entitlement.
You may qualify if you were born after 31 August 1946 and provided full-time care for:
- A child under 12 years of age, or
- A person who needed an increased level of care.
To qualify, you must:
- Have been aged 16 or over and under pension age when the care was provided.
- Have been resident in Ireland during the period of care (subject to certain EU and posted worker exceptions).
- Not have been employed, self-employed, undertaking training, education, or voluntary work for more than 18.5 hours per week.
- Have been providing full-time care.
HomeCaring Periods can only be awarded for weeks that are not already covered by a paid or credited PRSI contribution.
Further information
For official information on the HomeCaring Periods Scheme, visit Gov.ie (https://www.gov.ie/en/service/homecaring-periods/https://www.gov.ie/en/service/homecaring-periods/) or MyWelfare.ie (https://services.mywelfare.ie/en/topics/pensions-and-older-people/pension-caring-supports/).
Carer’s Leave and Associated Employment Protections
Carer’s Leave is a statutory entitlement that allows employees to take unpaid leave from work to provide full-time care and attention to a person who needs it. The scheme is provided for under the Carer’s Leave Act 2001 and offers important employment protections while caring.
Carer’s Leave is separate from Carer’s Benefit and Carer’s Allowance. However, many carers may qualify for one of these payments while on leave.
To qualify for Carer’s Leave, you must:
- Be an employee with at least 12 months’ continuous service with your employer.
- Intend to personally provide full-time care and attention to a person who requires it.
- Provide that care for the duration of the leave.
- Have the care recipient medically certified as requiring full-time care and attention by the Department of Social Protection.
The legislation applies to employees working under a contract of employment, agency workers, apprentices, public servants, members of the Defence Forces, and various other categories of workers.
Further information
For official information on Carer’s Leave, visit Citizens Information or the Workplace Relations Commission.
Health Service Supports
Medical Card
A Medical Card allows people to access a wide range of public health services free of charge. For people living with Parkinson’s, a Medical Card can significantly reduce the cost of managing a long-term condition through free GP visits, reduced prescription costs, and access to a range of community and hospital services.
The Medical Card is administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Who can qualify?
To qualify for a Medical Card, you must:
- Be ordinarily resident in Ireland (living in Ireland and intending to remain for at least one year).
- Satisfy a means test based on your income, savings, investments, and other financial circumstances.
Even if your income is above the standard limits, you may still qualify for a discretionary Medical Card if significant medical expenses or financial hardship arise because of your health condition.
This can be particularly relevant for people with Parkinson’s who incur ongoing costs related to healthcare, medications, specialist appointments, mobility needs, or additional supports.
What does the Medical Card cover?
Medical Card holders may receive a range of health services free of charge, including:
- GP services.
- Public hospital services.
- Prescribed medications (subject to the standard prescription charge).
- Community nursing and certain therapy services.
- Various community and home support services, where clinically appropriate.
Access to individual services depends on clinical need and local availability.
Further information
For official information on the Medical Card, visit the HSE Website or Citizens Information.
GP Visit Card
A GP Visit Card allows you to visit your GP free of charge without paying consultation fees. Unlike a Medical Card, it does not cover prescription medicines or most other health services.
For people living with Parkinson’s, a GP Visit Card can help reduce the cost of regular GP appointments, which may be needed for medication reviews, referrals, ongoing symptom management, and monitoring of general health.
Who can qualify?
You may qualify for a GP Visit Card if:
- You are ordinarily resident in Ireland.
- Your income is above the Medical Card threshold but below the GP Visit Card income limits.
- You are aged 70 or over and meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
Some people qualify for a GP Visit Card without a means test, including:
- People receiving Carer’s Allowance.
- People receiving Carer’s Benefit.
- People aged 70 and over who do not qualify for a Medical Card.
What does the GP Visit Card cover?
The GP Visit Card covers:
- Free visits to your participating GP.
- GP consultations in relation to physical and mental health needs.
- Access to primary care services through your GP.
It does not cover:
- Prescription medicines.
- Hospital charges.
- Community therapy services.
- Most other health services covered by a Medical Card.
Further information
For official information on GP Visit Cards, visit the HSE Website or Citizens Information.
Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme
The Long-Term Illness Scheme helps people with certain long-term medical conditions access approved medications, medical appliances, and related products free of charge.
Parkinsonism (the umbrella term that describes conditions that feature the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease) is one of the conditions covered by the Long-Term Illness Scheme.
Unlike the Medical Card, the Long-Term Illness Scheme is not means-tested, so your income does not affect eligibility.
Who can qualify?
You may qualify if you are ordinarily resident in Ireland and have one of the conditions covered under the scheme. The scheme covers Parkinsonism, but not automatically all diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease. If you have Parkinson’s, speak with your healthcare professional or local health office to clarify whether your diagnosis and treatment fall within the scheme’s eligibility criteria.
What does the scheme cover?
If approved under the Long-Term Illness Scheme, you can receive:
- Approved prescription medicines.
- Medical and surgical appliances.
- Certain related products required for the management of the qualifying condition.
There is no charge for approved items supplied under the scheme.
Further information
For official information on the Long-Term Illness Scheme, visit the HSE Website or Citizens Information.
Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS)
The Drugs Payment Scheme helps individuals and families manage the cost of prescribed medicines and certain medical appliances.
For people living with Parkinson’s, the scheme can be particularly valuable as it places a monthly limit on the amount you and your family have to pay for approved medications. Once you reach the monthly threshold, the HSE covers the remaining cost of approved medicines for the rest of that month.
Unlike the Medical Card, the Drugs Payment Scheme is not means-tested, so it is available regardless of income.
Who can qualify?
You can qualify if you:
- Are ordinarily resident in Ireland.
- Do not already have a Medical Card that covers your medication costs.
The scheme applies to individuals and families. A family can include:
- A single person.
- A couple.
- A couple and their dependent children.
What does the scheme cover?
The Drugs Payment Scheme covers the cost of approved:
- Prescription medicines.
- Medical appliances.
- Certain pharmacy products approved by the HSE.
From 2026, you and your family pay a maximum of €70 per month for approved medicines and appliances. Once this limit is reached, any further approved costs for that month are covered by the scheme.
Further information
For official information on the Drugs Payment Scheme, visit the HSE Website or Citizens Information.
Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal)
The Nursing Home Support Scheme, commonly known as Fair Deal, provides financial support towards the cost of long-term residential nursing home care.
For some people living with Parkinson’s, a point may be reached where long-term nursing home care becomes necessary. Fair Deal helps ensure that nursing home care is available based on assessed need, rather than a person’s ability to pay the full cost themselves.
The scheme applies to approved public, private and voluntary nursing homes.
Who can qualify?
To qualify for Fair Deal, you must:
- Be ordinarily resident in Ireland.
- Need long-term nursing home care, as determined through a Care Needs Assessment carried out by the HSE.
- Complete a Financial Assessment to determine your contribution towards the cost of care.
The scheme is intended for long-term care and does not cover respite care, convalescence, rehabilitation, or short-term admissions.
Further information
For official information on the Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal), visit the HSE Website or Citizens Information.
Tax Reliefs and Revenue Supports
Several tax credits and tax reliefs are available through Revenue that may help reduce the financial impact of living with Parkinson’s or caring for someone with Parkinson’s. These supports can assist with costs such as medical treatment, home care, disability-related expenses, and caring responsibilities.
Tax credits reduce the amount of income tax you have to pay. Tax relief allows you to reduce the tax you pay on certain qualifying expenses or contributions. Depending on your circumstances, this may reduce your tax bill or result in a tax refund.
The following section outlines some of the most relevant tax credits, tax reliefs, and Revenue schemes that may be available to people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. Eligibility criteria apply and it is important to check the current rules with Revenue, as rates and thresholds may change from year to year.
Home Carer Tax Credit
The Home Carer Tax Credit is a tax relief available to married couples and civil partners who are jointly assessed for income tax, where one spouse or partner cares for a dependent person at home. For families affected by Parkinson’s, this credit may be available where one partner reduces or gives up work to care for a spouse, parent, or other dependant living with Parkinson’s.
Who can qualify?
You may qualify if:
- You are married or in a civil partnership and are jointly assessed for income tax.
- One spouse or civil partner works and pays tax.
- The other spouse or civil partner cares for a dependent person at home.
A dependent person can include:
- A person aged 65 or over.
- A person who is permanently incapacitated due to illness or disability, such as advanced Parkinson’s.
The dependent person does not have to be your spouse or partner.
Further information
For official information on the Home Carer Tax Credit, visit the Revenue Website.
Dependent Relative Tax Credit
The Dependant Relative Tax Credit is a tax relief that may be available if you support a relative who is unable to fully support themselves financially.
For families affected by Parkinson’s, this credit may be relevant where you are financially supporting a parent, spouse’s parent, or another relative whose ability to work or live independently has been affected by their condition.
Who can qualify?
You may qualify if you maintain, at your own expense, a dependent relative who:
- Is unable to maintain themselves because of old age or illness.
- Requires financial support due to physical or mental incapacity.
- Lives with you and provides services that you need because of your own age or infirmity.
Qualifying relatives can include:
- A parent or grandparent.
- A parent-in-law.
- A brother or sister.
- An aunt or uncle.
- Other dependent relatives in certain circumstances.
- By contacting Revenue directly.
You may be asked to provide information about the dependent relative and evidence of the support you provide.
Further information
For official information on the Dependant Relative Tax Credit, visit the Revenue Website.
Tax Relief on Medical Expenses
Tax relief is available on many healthcare costs that are not reimbursed by the HSE, a private health insurer, or any other source.
For people living with Parkinson’s and their families, this relief can help reduce the financial impact of ongoing healthcare costs, including medications, therapies, specialist treatment, and long-term care expenses.
What expenses qualify?
You may claim tax relief on a range of qualifying medical expenses, including:
- GP and consultant fees.
- Prescribed medications and medical appliances.
- Physiotherapy and certain other health treatments.
- Non-routine dental treatment.
- Diagnostic procedures and other qualifying healthcare costs.
The expense must be incurred by you and not reimbursed by the HSE, a health insurer, or another organisation.
It is important to keep receipts and supporting documentation for any expenses you are claiming.
Further information
For official information on tax relief for medical expenses, visit the Revenue Website.
Tax Relief for Employing a Carer (Section 467 relief)
Tax Relief for Employing a Carer allows you to claim income tax relief on the cost of employing a carer for yourself or for a family member who needs care due to age, illness, or disability.
For families affected by Parkinson’s, this relief can help reduce the cost of arranging care at home, enabling a person to remain in their own home for longer while receiving the support they need.
Who can qualify?
You may qualify if you pay for a carer to look after:
- Yourself.
- Your spouse or civil partner.
- A family member who is incapacitated because of physical or mental disability.
The carer may be:
- Directly employed by you.
- Supplied through a professional care agency.
- A self-employed carer providing care services.
Further information
For official information on Tax Relief for Employing a Carer, visit the Revenue Website.
Disabled Drivers and Passengers Tax Relief Scheme
The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Tax Relief Scheme provides a range of tax reliefs and motoring benefits for people with certain severe and permanent physical disabilities.
For some people living with Parkinson’s, particularly those with significant mobility impairments, the scheme may help reduce the cost of purchasing and operating an adapted vehicle. However, eligibility is based on strict medical criteria and not on diagnosis alone.
Further information
For official information on the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Tax Relief Scheme, visit the Revenue Website and the HSE Website.
Supports for Living at Home
Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability
The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability helps people with a long-term disability make necessary changes to their home so they can continue living there safely and independently.
For people living with Parkinson’s, the grant may help fund adaptations that address mobility difficulties, balance problems, freezing, falls risk, or increasing care needs within the home.
The grant is administered by local authorities and is means-tested.
What can the grant be used for?
The grant can help pay for major home adaptations, including:
- Stairlifts.
- Level-access showers and downstairs bathrooms.
- Access ramps.
- Widening doorways.
- Accessibility works within the home.
- Extensions or alterations needed to accommodate a disability.
The adaptations must be considered necessary to address the person’s disability-related needs.
Further information
For official information on the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, visit Citizens Information or contact your local City or County Council.
Mobility Aids Grant Scheme
The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme helps people with mobility difficulties make small to medium-scale adaptations to their home so they can continue living safely and independently.
For people living with Parkinson’s, the scheme can help fund practical adaptations that reduce falls risk, improve accessibility, and make day-to-day activities easier as mobility needs change.
The scheme is administered by local authorities and is generally designed to provide a quicker turnaround than the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability.
What can the grant be used for?
The grant can assist with the cost of mobility-related adaptations, including:
- Grab rails and handrails.
- Access ramps.
- Level-access showers.
- Stairlifts.
- Hoists and other accessibility adaptations.
- Minor works designed to improve mobility within the home.
Further information
For official information on the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme, visit Gov.ie or contact your local City or County Council.
Note: A related Housing Aid for Older People grant (up to €10,700) exists for general repairs for older people and may be more suitable than the two schemes above for structural/roofing/heating repairs rather than disability-specific adaptations.
Senior Alert Scheme (SAS)
The Senior Alert Scheme provides a free personal alarm system for older people who may be vulnerable due to age, illness, reduced mobility, isolation, or fear of falling.
For people living with Parkinson’s, a personal alarm can provide reassurance and help maintain independence by enabling quick access to assistance in the event of a fall, mobility problem, or medical emergency.
What does the scheme provide?
The scheme provides:
A monitored personal alarm, usually worn as a pendant or wrist device.
- Connection to a 24-hour monitoring centre.
- The ability to summon assistance at the press of a button.
- Increased safety and reassurance for both the person using the alarm and their family members.
The alarm can be used whether the person lives alone or with others.
Who can qualify?
You may qualify if you:
- Are aged 65 or over.
- Live in Ireland.
- Would benefit from access to a monitored alarm service due to age, health difficulties, mobility issues, or social isolation.
The scheme is not generally available to people under the age of 65. Younger people with Parkinson’s who require a personal alarm may need to explore private telecare providers or HSE-supported alternatives where available.
Further information
For official information on the Senior Alert Scheme, visit the Pobal website or speak with your local community or voluntary organisation that participates in the scheme.
Personal Assistance Services
Personal Assistance Services are government-funded, HSE-delivered supports designed to help people with disabilities live as independently as possible in their own homes and communities.
A Personal Assistant (PA) works under the direction of the person receiving support, helping with tasks that the individual would normally undertake themselves if their condition did not limit them.
Support may include assistance with personal care, meal preparation, household tasks, attending medical appointments, accessing education or employment, social and recreational activities, and participating in community life.
For people living with Parkinson’s, Personal Assistance Services can provide practical support as symptoms change over time, helping to maintain independence, choice, and quality of life.
Parkinson’s Ireland maintains a county-by-county directory of Personal Assistance providers, available at parkinsons.ie/personal-assistance-hours.
This page complements the Parkinson’s Ireland “Resources for Care Partners” booklet. For personalised guidance on any of the above, contact the Parkinson’s Ireland Freephone Helpline: 1800 359 359, or nationaloffice@parkinsons.ie.