Disability Allowance is a weekly Allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test.
The person concerned was awarded a reduced rate Disability Allowance with effect from 16 April 2008. She was assessed with means derived from her spouse's farming. The person's claim was reviewed by a Medical Assessor on 18 November 2009 who deemed that she was no longer medically suitable for Disability Allowance. Her claim was disallowed with effect from 9 December 2009 on the basis that she is not substantially restricted in seeking suitable employment, by reason of a specified disability, for a period of at least one year. She was notified of this decision by letter on 25 November 2009 and of her right of appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.