Disability Allowance

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2016

Thursday, 7 July 2016

Questions (143)

Michael McGrath

Question:

143. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if the carer's benefit income of one spouse is reckonable in the means test in respect of the other spouse's disability allowance application. [20205/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

Disability allowance is a means-tested scheme and the way means are assessed is laid down in social welfare legislation. The assessment of income is dealt with under Part 2 of Schedule 3 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. I can confirm that no statutory social welfare payment, including carer’s benefit, being received by a spouse/civil partner/ cohabitant is assessed as income.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.