The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys has today announced that 1,145 carers have been awarded over 20 years of Long-Term Carers Contributions.
From January of this year carers can get the equivalent of paid contributions long-term carer's contributions for periods of over 20 years spent caring for an incapacitated person. Minister Humphreys introduced the legislation to help ensure long term carers will have access to the state pension contributory when they reach pension age.
Of the 1,145 carers who have been awarded Long-Term Carers Contributions, 474 people have been awarded a state pension for the first time while a further 127 people have been moved on to a higher rate of payment as a result of the change.
The local minister said these numbers will continue to grow as more carers reach pension age. Minister Humphreys added that many people, particularly women, have to take time out of the workforce to care for a loved one and she believe's it is important that the state recognises the huge contribution these carers make to our society by helping ensure they qualify for the state pension.
