Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment for a child aged under 16 with a severe disability.

• It is not means-tested, so you may qualify for it regardless of your income.
• It is not based on the type of disability your child has. Instead, it is based on their level of physical or mental impairment. Your child must need ongoing care and attention, substantially more than what is usually needed by a child of the same age.

To read the full text, including eligibility, medical criteria and how to apply please see Citizens Information – Domiciliary Care Allowance

Cross-border issues

Under EU regulations (and the very similar post-Brexit Social Security Convention between Ireland and the UK) DCA is classified as a family benefit and is payable in respect of qualified children resident in another EU/EEA member state or Northern Ireland.

The amount of DCA payable by the Department of Social Protection will depend on whether there is entitlement to family benefits from another State in respect of the same child. The claim should be made in the country of work which contacts the other country to ensure that full entitlement is received.

Case Study – Living North/Working South

A couple living in Northern Ireland have a dependent child with additional needs who qualifies for Child Disability Living Allowance(DLA) by virtue of their NI residence. (DLA is classed as a sickness benefit under the coordination rules.)

The child’s mother is not in employment and their father works in ROI.  Due to his employment, ROI has primary responsibility for family benefits including Irish Child Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance(DCA).

Therefore, both DLA and DCA can be paid alongside each other provided general conditions of entitlement have been met.

Further Information:

• Border People – Family Benefits Briefing Paper
• DSP – Operational Guidelines: Domiciliary Care Allowance