Illness Benefit and Carer's Allowance Query

[STEINER]

Hi,

I was seriously ill with cancer since MAY 2010 but getting better and won't be able to work until 2012. I am on Illness Benefit €188 per week. My spouse had to take a year unpaid off work to care for me and is on Illness Benefit €188 per week and half rate Carer's Allowance €102 per week. She won't return to work until July. She may be able to do some part time work up to 20 hours a week with permission from the Department of Social Protection. As I am on the mend I don't need as much care as before so my wife has free time now. I want to know if she would just lose social welfare money by doing a day or two's work, ie does it make financial sense to work a day or two and maybe lose Carer's Allowance, or will earnings not impact on Carer's Allowance. We also have the household benefits package for the next few months until she goes back to her job and about €150 per month mortgage help from social protection. any advice appreciated, thanks.

 

[Ildánach]

As far as the Carer's Allowance is concerned:

Income from employment is assessed, although there are generous enough disregards. The main issue however is that there is a 15 hour maximum to the amount of hours you can work outside the home, and you need to get approval from the Department before you start it.

http://www.welfare.ie/EN/OperationalGuidelines/Pages/carers_all.aspx

- Carer must not be employed or self-employed outside the home
A Carer may engage in limited self-employment or outwork within the home provided the care recipient continues to receive full-time care and attention. Income from this employment would be assessable as means if the aggregate of 332.50 for a single/separated/civil partner who is not living with the other civil partner of the civil partnership Carer or 665.00 for a married/in a civil partnership/co-habiting Carer.
or
A Carer may, with the prior permission of the Department, engage in employment outside the home for up to 15 hours per week. The cared for person must be adequately cared for in the Carer's absence. Income from this employment would be assessable as means if the aggregate of all income exceeds the disregard amounts of 332.50 for a single/separated/civil partner who is not living with the other civil partner of the civil partnership Carer or 665.00 or a married/ in a civil partnership/ co-habiting Carer.
or
A carer may also work as a home-help for a Health Service Executive for up to 15 hours week, provided s/he makes adequate provision for care of the care recipient in their absence. Means from this employment would generally not be assessable.

 

[STEINER]

thanks, thats exactly what I wanted.