Advice on pensions for long-term carers

if you have been a full-time carer for at least 20 years, you can get Long-Term Carers Contributions to help you qualify for the State Pension (Contributory). iStock
Have lived in Ireland when you were providing the care
Have been over 16 years and under pension age when you provided care
Not have been in employment, self-employment, voluntary work, training or education courses for more than 18.5 hours a week
Not have been getting a weekly social welfare payment when you were caring, except for Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance or Carer’s Support Grant
ave lived with the person you were caring for and provided full-time care and attention. In some circumstances, you may qualify if you did not live with the person being cared for, but you provided full-time care and attention.
They need continual supervision to avoid danger to themselves, or
They need continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day with normal bodily functions. For example, help to walk and get about, eat or drink, get washed or dressed.
- Our telephone lines in South Munster Citizens Information Cork City are monitored from 10am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. In addition, the Cork City Centre CIC in Cornmarket Street is open to the public Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9.45am to 1pm and Wednesdays from 2pm to 4.30pm. The Blackpool CIC is open to the public each morning from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday and Thursday. Full details are available on their website.