Entitlements & Benefits
Respite Care Grant
This grant is extended to all carers providing full time care to an eligible older person or an eligible person with a disability, irrespective of means but conditions apply (see below). Budget 2008 increased this grant to from €1500 to €1700 per person being cared for. The grant is paid annually at the end of June. Apply in the month of June if you are a fulltime carer for an eligible child or adult with a disability. Form RCG 1 is available from your local social welfare office or from your local Citizens Information Centre or from www.welfare.ie or by phoning the LoCall Leaflet Request line 1890 20 23 25. Complete a separate form for each individual person if you are caring for more than one qualifying person.
Return completed forms to: Respite Care Grant Section PO Box 10085, Dublin 2 Tel 01-6732222
NB: you are not expected to be caring 24 hours, each case is assessed individually. The Department will apply the arrangements in a flexible manner considering the needs of yourself and the person being cared for. You must have been caring for the person for at least six months including the first Thursday in June to qualify. You must live with the person or have a direct system of communication between your home and theirs. You may take up education; training or work outside home for a specified limited number of hours weekly if the Dept of Social, Community and Family Affairs approves this.
NB: Full Time Care is defined as requiring continuous supervision and frequent help throughout the day with personal needs, walking and getting about, dressing, washing eating and drinking; or continuous supervision to avoid danger to themselves and full time care and needing attention for at least six months which must include the first Thursday in June.
