Press release
Almost 500 Carers awarded State Pension for the First-Time
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced that 1,145 carers have been awarded over 20 years of Long-Term Carers Contributions.
From January 2024, carers can get the equivalent of paid contributions (long-term carer’s contributions) for periods of over 20 years spent caring for an incapacitated person.
Minister Humphreys introduced the legislation to help ensure long term carers will have access to the State Pension Contributory when they reach pension age.
Of the 1,145 carers who have been awarded Long-Term Carers Contributions, 474 people have been awarded a State Pension for the first time while a further 127 people have been moved on to a higher rate of payment as a result of the change. These numbers will continue to grow as more carers reach pension age.
Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said:
“Since my appointment as Minister, I have always listened to our carers and done my very best to support them. I absolutely recognise and value the important role that our carers play in society.
“I was pleased to pass the legislation for the new Long-Term Carers Contribution scheme which took effect in January 2024. This significant reform enables long term carers, who have been caring for an incapacitated person for 20 years or more, to qualify for the State Pension Contributory.
“Many people, particularly women, have to take time out of the workforce to care for a loved one. I believe it is important that the State recognises the huge contribution these carers make to our society by helping ensure they qualify for the State Pension.
Minister Humphreys continued:
“Since my appointment as Minister, I have introduced five key measures to support our carers:
“We have done a lot but there is more work to do. Supporting our Carers will once again be a key priority for me as part of Budget 2025.”
Long-Term Carers Contributions allows someone who has cared for an incapacitated person, or persons, for more than 20 years to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory) when they reach pension age.
Any period in which a carer is registered with the Department of Social Protection as providing full-time care to an incapacitated person, usually to a loved one, can be included in their pay-related social insurance (PRSI) record.
Long-Term Carers Contributions can only be used to gain entitlement to the State Pension (Contributory) once a person has reached a minimum of 1040 (20 years) caring.
People who provided care for less than 20 years may alternatively be eligible for home caring periods of up to 20 years.
The quickest way to apply for Long-Term Carers Contributions is online at MyWelfare.ie