Disability Allowance is a means-tested social assistance paid to persons who are substantially restricted in undertaking suitable employment arising from a medical condition (subject to satisfying the relevant medical criteria). The estimated cost in 2016 of increasing the weekly rate of Disability Allowance by €6.00, €7.00, €7.50 and €8.00 is detailed in the following table.
Increase in the weekly rate
|
Estimated Cost in 2016 (full year)
|
€6.00
|
€39.5 million
|
€7.00
|
€46.1 million
|
€7.50
|
€49.4 million
|
€8.00
|
€52.6 million
|
There is an analogous social insurance payment, Invalidity Pension, which is paid to persons who are permanently incapable of work (subject to satisfying the relevant medical criteria). A €1 increase in the weekly rate of Invalidity Pension would cost €3.2 million in a full year.
These costs include proportionate increases for qualified adults, where applicable.