Press release
Minister Humphreys announces new changes to Domiciliary Care Allowance in support of children in hospital
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has signed new regulations that will ensure Domiciliary Care Allowance is paid in respect of children who remain in hospital following their birth.
Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment to support families of children with a severe illness or disability.
Up until now, Domiciliary Care Allowance has been paid only in respect of children who are being cared for at home or who are subsequently admitted to hospital. As part of Budget 2022, the period of time for which the allowance is paid for children who are subsequently admitted to hospital was increased from 13 weeks to 26 weeks.
As a result of the changes announced by the Minister today, however, a child who remains in hospital after their birth will now qualify for the first time.
It is estimated around 100 children and their families will benefit each year as a result of the Minister’s changes.
In signing the regulations today, Minister Humphreys said:
"I’m really pleased to announce these important new measures, which will support parents and families during what can be an extremely stressful time in their lives.
"We have had situations in the past whereby children with a severe illness or disability have had to remain in hospital immediately after their birth.
"But up until now, Domiciliary Care Allowance was not paid in respect of these cases and this is something that I was particularly keen to address.
"We estimate that around 100 children and their families will benefit each year as a result of these changes that I am putting into effect from today.
"While this impacts a small number of people nationwide, I know it will mean an awful lot to the families who find themselves in these very difficult situations."
In addition to the Domiciliary Care Allowance, these families would be eligible for the Carer's Support Grant of €1,850 per year, and may also be eligible for Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit.
Under current Domiciliary Care Allowance legislation, if Domiciliary Care Allowance is in payment before a child enters an acute hospital, the allowance continues to be paid for 26 weeks in a 12-month period. This was increased from 13 weeks to 26 weeks in Budget ’22.