More than two-thirds of family carers experiencing financial distress, survey finds

More than one in 10 family carers are in rent or mortgage arrears, while 16 per cent are behind on utility bills, a new survey has found.

Family Carers Ireland has called on the Government to ensure those caring for loved ones with additional needs receive fair compensation for the care they provide in its pre-budget submission.

According to the survey, more than two-thirds of family carers, or 68 per cent, are already experiencing financial distress, while almost a quarter (23 per cent) of those struggling financially are cutting back on essentials such as food and heat to make ends meet.

The research was conducted by the charity online between January and March, and was completed by 1,484 carers.

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In Budget 2023, Family Carers Ireland has called on the Government to undertake an “urgent review” of carer’s allowance to remove the means test and immediately increase the allowance to €325 per week, up from its current rate of €224.

The charity has also called on the Government to increase the tax credits available to family carers and make carer’s allowance exempt from tax.

Tracy Carroll, full-time carer for her five-year-old daughter, Willow, who has complex needs, said she went from a two-income family to a one-income family overnight, but the costs associated with Willow’s condition means the family’s expenses have increased.

“Everything is a battle. Every single thing that you require to care for a child like Willow is a battle. You’re looking after your child and you’re trying to function as a family. The change needs to be by supporting us and not seeing us as a burden on the State by being on social protection,” she added.

Catherine Cox, head of communications and policy at Family Carers Ireland, said State supports “do not go far enough”.

“As we navigate the current cost-of-living crisis, now is the time to reassess the value we place on care and to review how family carers are recognised and supported financially by the State,” she said.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said she supported the charity’s calls and will “do what I can” to ensure the resources are put in place.

“While we might say things are challenging at the moment, at the same time our economy is flying and there’s no reason why that money shouldn’t be invested back into our families and particularly those who need it the most,” she added.

Separately, the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) called for an increase in social welfare rates by at least €20 a week to address the rising cost of living and a €15 increase per week in the fuel allowance payment to help cover rising heating bills.

According to Dr Tricia Keilthy, SVP’s head of justice, the cost of food is a big issue.

“Families are making very difficult choices. Particularly parents are trying to shield their children from the effects of that, and that means maybe they’re skipping meals or having smaller portions,” she said.

“That’s the reality for many people at the moment, so it’s a very worrying time out there for people.”