The Programme for Government contains a commitment to maintain weekly rates of welfare payments. In line with this commitment, the weekly personal rate of disability allowance, including increases for qualified adults and children, has been fully maintained since this Government came into office. Recipients of disability allowance may also be eligible, subject to satisfying the relevant conditions, for the fuel allowance, electricity/gas allowance, free television licence, living alone allowance, rent supplement and free travel.
Any increases to weekly rates of payment would have to be considered in a budgetary context.