Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
415. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the rules to qualify for the blind pension to enable those who are in receipt of the invalidity pension to qualify for it. [33265/21]
View answerInvalidity Pension is a long-term payment for persons who are permanently incapable of work and who satisfy the social insurance contribution conditions. Invalidity Pension is not means tested. To be eligible for Invalidity Pension a person must have a total of 260 weeks contributions paid and 48 weeks contributions paid or credited in the last complete tax year.
Blind Pension is one of a number of means-tested payments provided by the Department. It is paid to blind people and certain people with low vision, aged 18 and up to the age of 66, who are habitually resident in the State. The assessment of means reflects the fact that there is an expectation that people with reasonable amounts of income or capital are in a position to use these resources to support themselves, so that social welfare expenditure can be directed towards those who need it most.
It is important to note that these two schemes are fundamentally different: one is a payment based on PRSI contributions made, while the other is a means tested payment; and it would not therefore be appropriate to provide automatic access from one to the other.
It should be noted that for those in financial difficulty, the Supplementary Welfare Allowance, including Urgent Needs Payments or Exceptional Needs Payments, are available through my department's Intreo centres. This is a means-tested payment administered by this Department’s Community Welfare Service.
I will continue to keep the range of supports available under review. Any changes will fall to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
