Caring for You – Financially and Personally

Home Care Costs

Connected Health offers high-quality homecare services across Ireland with a pricing structure that becomes more affordable when tax relief is taken into account. One of the key financial benefits of using Connected Health is the ability to claim tax relief on the cost of care, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

You or a family member paying for homecare services may be eligible to claim tax relief at your highest rate of income tax either 20% or 40%. This relief can be claimed on up to €75,000 in care costs per year for each individual receiving care.

For example, if the total cost of care for a loved one is €50,000 annually and you qualify for 40% relief, you could claim back €20,000 through the tax system. While exact homecare rates vary between providers, Connected Health stands out due to its commitment to affordability and transparency. Not all providers actively support or inform clients about the full extent of tax relief options. In contrast, Connected Health ensures clients are aware of how to maximize these entitlements, helping reduce the effective cost of care.

Additionally, some providers may charge extra fees or surcharges for services such as weekend visits, overnight care, or last-minute scheduling. Connected Health offers clear pricing and works with families to create flexible care plans without unexpected costs, making budgeting more predictable.

Tax Relief Options

If you’re arranging homecare, there are several financial supports available to help with costs either through direct tax relief or through HSE-funded support schemes.

Eligibility for Tax Relief

Tax relief on homecare costs is available to individuals or family members who are paying for care services. You may be eligible to claim this relief at your highest rate of income tax—either 20% or 40%—on up to €75,000 of care costs per year, per person receiving care. If more than one person shares the cost of care, the relief is divided based on each person’s contribution.

Who Can Access HSE Home Support

The HSE Home Support Service is available to:

People aged 65 or older who need assistance to remain at home or return home following a hospital stay.

In some cases, people under 65 with specific care needs such as early-onset dementia or a disability may also qualify.

Consumer Directed Home Support

If approved for the CDHS scheme, you can receive HSE funding and choose to arrange your care directly with an Approved Provider like Connected Health. This gives you greater flexibility and control over who delivers your care and when.

Once your care needs are assessed by the HSE, Connected Health will work with you to develop a personalised care plan, ensuring support is delivered at times that suit you best.

Learn more:

HSE Home Support Services – https://www.hse.ie/eng/home-support-services/

Citizens Information – Home Support – https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/health-services/health-services-for-older-people/home-support-service/

How to Claim – HK1 form guide, submission details and timing, required documents

If you or a family member are paying for homecare through Connected Health, you may be eligible for up to 40% tax relief. To claim this, follow these steps:

Download the HK1 Form

Get the HK1 Form -‘Claim for an Allowance for Employing a Carer’ from the Revenue website. This is the official form used to apply for tax relief on homecare expenses.

Complete and Submit the Form

Fill out the HK1 form with the required details and submit it to your local Revenue office. You can do this at any point during the tax year or after the year has ended.

Choose How to Receive the Relief

You can opt to receive your tax relief either:

• Monthly, as an adjustment to your tax credits (reducing the tax you pay from your salary), or
• As a Lump Sum, after the tax year ends when you file your annual tax return.

The person receiving care doesn’t need to be the one who pays the bill, any family member can claim the relief, including spouses, children, or relatives.

Quick Links / Trusted Resources

HSE Home Support Services – https://www.hse.ie/eng/home-support-services/ 

Citizens Information – Home Support – https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/health-services/health-services-for-older-people/home-support-service/