Q.  I understand that if I am providing full-time care to someone with a disability I can get a Respite Care Grant. How do I get it?

03.06.08

The Respite Care Grant is paid once a year to certain carers of people in need of full-time care and attention. It is paid automatically in early June by the Dept. of Social and Family Affairs to those who are getting Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relative’s Allowance. It is also paid automatically by the HSE to those who are getting Domiciliary Care Allowance.

Other carers providing full-time care have to apply. If, however, you received the grant last year, you do not need to apply again as the Dept. writes to you to verify the details. To qualify you must be aged 16 or over and ordinarily resident in the State, caring for the person on a full-time basis for at least six months – this period must include the first Thursday in June-and you must be living with the person being cared for or, if not, be contactable quickly by a direct system of communication, for example, telephone or alarm

You do not qualify if you are working, studying or training for more than 15 hours per week outside the home, if you are getting an unemployment payment or if you are signing on for unemployment credits. For 2008, the Respite Care Grant is €1,700 for each person being cared for.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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