Carer Benefit pay link focus

Minister looks at tying rate to past earnings

- BY ERICA CARTER

MINISTER for Social Protection Dara Calleary said the Government is examining the possibility of introducing a pay-related approach to Carer's Benefit.

The payment is €271 a week but it could follow in the footsteps of Jobseeker's Benefit. Last year, Pay-Related Jobseeker's Benefit was introduced which almost doubled the rate for those who were eligible.

The new payment was brought in so people who are made unemployed could receive benefits linked to their previous earnings.