New Scheme to Improve Access to the Contributory State Pension for Long-Term Carers

IFA Farm Family Vice Chair, Teresa Roche welcomes a new scheme that has been announced by the Minister Heather Humphreys to improve access to the State Pension (Contributory) for long term carers.

The Long-Term Carers Contribution Scheme makes it easier for those who have cared for over 20 years for an incapacitated person to qualify for a State Pension (Contributory) when they reach pension age.

Under this scheme, 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 (Contributory) purposes.

“This will help ensure that thousands of people, mainly women, who have spent time caring for incapacitated loved ones will now be able to qualify for the Contributory State Pension,” Teresa Roche said.

“I would encourage all carers to register their caring periods at MyWelfare.ie, so that in cases where they have cared for a loved one for over 20 years, their pension entitlement reflects their important contribution to their family and to society by the time they reach pension age,” she added.

Carers can now apply for long-term carers contributions at MyWelfare.ie.