You will need a MyGovID account. If You don't have one you can create one here.
What is Caring Periods?
The Caring Periods application covers three schemes:
Depending on your circumstances, you may be assessed for one or more of the schemes outlined above. You will only receive a decision in relation to the schemes you are assessed for. More details about the eligibility criteria for these schemes can be found on gov.ie.
Who can qualify for Long Term Carers Contributions?
The Long-Term Carers Contribution Scheme makes it easier for a carer to qualify for a higher rate of State Pension (Contributory) when you reach pension age.
You can be awarded a Long-Term Carers Contribution for each week that you provided care for an incapacitated child or adult that required full-time care and attention.
Please note: Long-Term Carers Contributions can only be used for State Pension (Contributory) eligibility once you have provided 20 years (1040 weeks) of care.
More details about the eligibility criteria for Long-Term Carers Contributions can be found on gov.ie.
Who can qualify for Homemaker’s Scheme and HomeCaring Periods?
The Homemaker’s Scheme and HomeCaring Periods make it easier for you as a homemaker or home carer to qualify for a higher rate of State Pension (Contributory) when you reach pension age.
The Homemaker’s Scheme or HomeCaring Periods can be awarded in the instance where you were caring for someone in the one of the categories below:
- a child or children under 12 years of age, or
- a child or children over 12 years of age who needed an increased level of care, or
- an adult who needed an increased level of care
Please note: The Homemaker's Scheme was introduced on 6 April 1994. Only periods of care you provided after this date can be taken into account, up to a maximum of 20 years.
You can only be awarded HomeCaring Periods if you were born on or after 1 September 1946. A HomeCaring period may be awarded for each week not already covered by a paid or credited social insurance contribution.
More details about the eligibility criteria for the Homemaker’s Scheme and HomeCaring Periods can be found on gov.ie.
What will you be asked for?
Your details
Questions about you and your circumstances while you were caring for someone else.
Details about anyone you cared for
You will be asked if you were ever the primary carer for someone else. If you were, you will need that person's details such as their Date of Birth/Mother's Birth Surname/ PPSN and the dates you provided care.
Details about the level of care you provided to someone
If you did care for someone, you will be asked questions to establish the level of care you provided.
You will need a MyGovID account. If You don't have one you can create one here.