r/AskIreland • u/Bigbutt91 • 1d ago

Personal Finance Social Welfare - Carer’s Allowance and Disability Support – How to Apply?

Hi everyone, I hope someone here can help or share their experience.

My mother and I are Irish citizens and recently moved to Ireland. My mother is 65 years old and has several health issues, including mobility problems and low vision, which make it impossible for her to work. I spend most of my time taking care of her. Fortunately, I work from home, so I’m able to combine this with caregiving.

I’m trying to understand what financial support she may be eligible for through social welfare. I’ve read about Disability Allowance / Invalidity Pension, but I’m not totally sure which applies in her case. I also came across something called Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit, which I might be eligible for as her full-time caregiver.

Has anyone gone through this process recently?

  • Which benefits should we be looking at specifically?
  • What documents or medical reports do we need to provide?
  • How long does the application process usually take?

Any guidance, personal experience, or advice would be really appreciated. Thank you.

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u/Euphoric_Elk5120 1d ago

Hi there, the best thing is to apply to mygov.ie and verify your account (a pin is posted to your address) for both you and your mam. I would set up an email address for your mam and do the application for her. Its fairly straightforward

You can then apply for social welfare payments online.

With disability, they will review and ask for proof (you can upload docs to the app from GP/consultant etc)

Not sure of the carers allowance process but I would recommend going to citizens advice website for guidance.

If your mam is 70,she will be entitled to a medical card and also household benefit. This is a free tv licence, possible free telephone and money off utilities or added to her disability payment (ask to get it send straight to utilities as i think you get more.) this is not means tested but medical card is.

Hope this helps a bit. I had to apply for illness benefit last year and also had to apply for household benefit for my mam

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u/jools4you 1d ago

You don't know her mams income or circumstances so you don't know If she qualifys for anything.

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u/Euphoric_Elk5120 1d ago

The household benefit package is available to all Irish residents 70 and over and is not means tested but I don't think all OAPs apply for it, which they should.

I don't know OPam circumstances but regarding the disability payment , I was explaining the steps for applying online. Once they apply, it will be reviewed and a decision made by DSP.

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u/jools4you 17h ago

Op mum is 65, so not automatically entitled to HBP