Disability Allowance Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 January 2019

Thursday, 24 January 2019

Questions (291)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

291. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) suffers from a multiplicity of medical conditions complicated by homelessness and regular attendance at hospital and continuous medications which renders the person incapable of work and that encouragement for the person to seek employment would make matters worse; if the case for disability allowance will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3661/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

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 on year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test.

A decision as to whether or not a person is eligible to receive a DA payment can only be considered on receipt of a completed application form for that payment. To date no application for DA has been received from the person concerned.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.