Receiving an autism diagnosis for your child in Ireland can be overwhelming. However, understanding the available financial supports, such as the Incapacitated Child Tax Credit and Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA), can significantly ease the journey.
Understanding the Incapacitated Child Tax Credit in Ireland
About the Tax Credit
The Incapacitated Child Tax Credit is currently valued at a maximum of €3,800. This means you can claim back PAYE tax up to this amount.
Backdating: The credit can be backdated up to four years or to the year of the child’s birth or diagnosis, whichever is closer to the time of application.
Tax Limits: You can only claim back the amount of tax you’ve paid. For example, if you’ve paid €599 in tax, that’s the maximum you’ll receive.
Sharing the Credit
If you’re married, you can share the credit online through the Revenue system. If you’re unmarried, you’ll need to complete the maintenance section of the form to allocate the credit between parents.
Completing the Form
The form has two parts:
1. Medical Certification: Your GP must confirm that the child is unlikely to be able to work after 18, even with therapy.
2. Maintenance Section: Only required if sharing the credit between non-married parents.rest of form still needs to be completed.
How to Apply
Ensure both parts of the form are completed and signed by your GP. You can submit the application via post or online through the Revenue Online Service (ROS).
If your child’s circumstances improve, making them likely to work, you are obligated to remove the credit.
How to Apply for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) in Ireland
About DCA
DCA is a monthly payment for children under 16 with a severe disability who require ongoing care and attention substantially beyond that of a child of the same age without the disability.
In Ireland, the Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) provides a monthly payment of €360 to families of children with substantial care needs.
Tips for Success
Don’t give up: Many applications are denied initially. If this happens, review or appeal the decision and include any additional information or reports.
Focus on Care Needs: When completing the form, focus on specific care needs such as mobility, communication, and daily living activities. Providing detailed examples can strengthen your application
Highlight tasks you perform that other parents wouldn’t, such as extra help with sleeping, feeding, dressing, hygiene, danger awareness, medication, and communication.
Completing the Form
Write detailed answers on separate sheets if necessary.
Address the question about why you didn’t apply sooner, as this can impact backdating. "Not knowing you could apply" isn’t an acceptable reason.
Consider including a family impact statement to illustrate how the disability affects your family life, including costs for dining out, holidays, or childcare.
Medical Section
Bring supporting documents, such as reports, to your GP. Discuss what should be ticked on the form based on your child’s care needs.
Mental Health Tip
Documenting struggles can feel overwhelming. Keep a private list of your child’s strengths and achievements to balance the process emotionally.
No Diagnosis Needed
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to apply for DCA. Approval is based on substantial care needs.
Eligibility Criteria for Carer's Allowance in Ireland
Key Information
Work Hours: You can work up to 18.5 hours per week while receiving this allowance.
DCA Requirement: If your child is under 16, you must have DCA approval to apply.
Payment: Full Carer’s Allowance is €260 per week, with additional payments for dependent children.
Half rate carers may be paid if you are in receipt of certain other social welfare payments.
The Means Test
Even if your income exceeds the threshold, you may still qualify for partial Carer’s Allowance. Here’s how it’s calculated:
1. Start with gross pay.
2. Subtract PRSI, pension, union contributions, and €15 travel allowance (per worker).
3. Deduct €450 (single) or €900 (couple).
4. The remainder reduces the weekly allowance (€260 for single or half for couples).
For more detailed information and breakdowns visit
Additional Supports
If you qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you may also receive:
Maximizing Benefits: Carer's Benefit Explained
Eligibility
To qualify, you must have been employed for at least 8 weeks in the previous 26-week period and have made the required PRSI contributions
Max income: €450 per week.
Work up to 18.5 hours per week.
Must meet PRSI contribution requirements.
Care needs certified through DCA or medical forms.
How to apply
Complete the Carer's Benefit application form (CARB1)in our resources and submit it to the Department of Social Protection along with supporting medical evidence.
Payment
Carer’s Benefit is paid for 104 weeks per person at €261 per week (or €391.50 for two people).
Additional supports may be available:
Everything You Need to Know About the Carer's Support Grant
About the Grant
The grant is available to individuals providing full-time care and attention to a person with a disability, regardless of income.
Amount: €2,000 (2025 rate).
Auto-Paid: If you receive DCA, Carer’s Allowance, or Carer’s Benefit.
Payment Date: First Thursday in June.
Backdating
The grant can be backdated for up to two years. For example, you can apply for the 2024 grant until 31 December 2025.
Stand alone
If you don't qualify for above payments and
Can satisfy care needs and working under the maximum hours you may receive the grant as a stand alone payment.
Understanding these financial supports can significantly aid families navigating an autism diagnosis. Be sure to explore each option to determine your eligibility
Navigating the journey post-diagnosis involves understanding various supports available. For a comprehensive overview, read our guide on After an Autism Diagnosis in Ireland: Your Essential Guide to Support, Schools, and Financial Assistance."
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