Clear roadmap needed to end means test for carers - Mayo TD

MAYO Aontú TD Paul Lawless has criticised the government for its lack of urgency in abolishing the means test for the Carer’s Allowance, despite clear commitments made before the last general election.

“In the lead-up to the 2024 general election, government representatives made strong promises to abolish the means test for the Carer’s Allowance. Yet, in a recent Parliamentary Question response, the government has now stated they are hoping to phase it out ‘during the lifetime of this government’.

“This signals a clear watering down of their commitment, and there is no sense of urgency in addressing the financial strain that carers face every day,” said Deputy Lawless.

The Programme for Government states that the government will ‘continue to significantly increase the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each budget with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of this government.’ However, Deputy Lawless argues that this vague commitment is not enough and that a clear roadmap is needed.

“Carers are saving the State billions by providing essential care. They shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or be penalised because of their partner’s income,” he said

The current system means that many full-time carers are left without support because their household income exceeds the threshold by a small margin.

“I know of one woman who provides full-time care for her daughter but is entitled to nothing because her husband’s wage puts them just over the limit. This is a disgrace.

“The system fails to recognise the financial hardship and sacrifices carers make every single day,” he added.

Deputy Lawless called on government to set out a clear and immediate plan for abolishing the means test, ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to caring for their loved ones are properly supported.