Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.

A major change to the State Pension (Contributory) that will help thousands of Carer's

January 03, 2024

A major change to the State Pension (Contributory) that will help thousands of Carer's

A major change to the State Pension (Contributory) that will help thousands of Carers in the future has been announced today by my colleague Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD.
Carers who have looked after an incapacitated dependent for over 20 years can now receive paid contributions (Long-Term Carer’s Contributions) from this week.
Long-Term Carer’s Contributions will improve State Pension entitlements for carers who have dedicated more than 20 years of their lives to caring by making it easier for them to get a State Pension (Contributory) when they reach pension age.
The Department of Social Protection has been accepting applications from carers to be considered for Long-Term Carers Contributions since 1st September 2023.
To date the Department has awarded Long-Term Carers Contributions to over 1,200 Carers and from 1st January 2024, these contributions can be used to help Carers who reach State Pension (Contributory) age to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory), or a higher rate of pension if they already receive one.