A person who is self employed normally pays a PRSI Class S contribution rate. This entitles such a person to limited benefits such as Widow's or Widowers Contributory Pension, Guardians Payment (Contributory), State Pension (Contributory), Maternity Benefit, Adoptive Benefit and a Bereavement Grant. From the information provided the person concerned may have an entitlement to Disability Allowance as the person has a long-standing medical condition. Disability Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under age 66.
This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and is subject to a medical examination, a means test and a habitual residency test. If the Deputy provides details of the person concerned, a Disability Allowance application form will be forwarded to the person. The application form can also be downloaded from the Department's website at www.welfare.ie. When the completed form is received the person's entitlement to Disability Allowance will be investigated and the person will be notified of the decision in due course. If the person satisfies the conditions for receipt of Disability Allowance they will have an entitlement to Free Travel. They may, subject to certain conditions, also have an entitlement to a Free Fuel allowance, a Living Alone allowance, a Television Licence and an Electricity and Telephone allowance. It is open to the person concerned to contact his local Community Welfare Officer in the Health Service Executive, if the person is currently without an income, and the Officer will examine the person's entitlement to a Supplementary Welfare Payment. If the person is subsequently awarded a Disability Allowance the payment of Supplementary Welfare Allowance, if awarded, will cease.