Over €133m in new cost-of-living measures to be paid this week

A carers’ lump-sum of €400 is among a range of €133 million in new cost-of-living payments to be paid this week.

Around 120,000 carers will get the payment on Thursday while 240,000 recipients of the living-alone allowance will receive a €200 bonus lump-sum between Wednesday and Friday.

Throughout the week, a lump sum of €100 per child will be paid to families in respect of 370,000 qualified children, on top of primary social welfare payments.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys announced the details of the payments alongside a new scheme to enhance pension provision for long-term carers.

Speaking to reporters at a support meeting for carers at Baldoyle Community Hall, Ms Humphreys said the new contribution scheme makes it easier for a long-term carer to qualify for a contributory state pension.

Any period in which a carer is registered as providing care to a person who has a disability that requires full-time care and attention can be included in their pay-related social insurance (PRSI) record for state pension purposes. A minimum of 20 years of long-term carers contributions is required.