asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason persons on long term disability benefit receive £2 less than persons on long term unemployment benefit; and if; in view of the obvious unfairness of this regulation, he proposes to rectify the position.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
176.
The Deputy is mistaken. Disability benefit and unemployment benefit are paid at the same rate of £45 per week. However, unemployment benefit is paid for a maximum of 15 months, while disability benefit can be paid indefinitely.
When a person's period of entitlement to unemployment benefit expires he or she can apply for a means tested unemployment assistance payment. The maximum rate of long term unemployment assistance is higher than either unemployment benefit or disability benefit; however, due to the means test, not all clients would receive the maximum rate.
After a period of disability benefit of a year or longer, a sick person can apply for invalidity pension. This is a long term payment and is currently £51.50 per week for a single person under the age of 66. This is £4.50 higher than the corresponding rate of unemployment assistance. Furthermore, invalidity pensioners can obtain other benefits, such as free travel.