Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
506. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will increase the basic social welfare rate for the blind pension and disability allowance by €20 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46491/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I will be considering a range of options for Budget 2022 over the coming weeks, taking account of available resources.
A series of evidence-based, targeted measures were introduced in the last two Budgets, to ensure the most vulnerable were protected. Many recipients of Disability Allowance and Blind Pension will have benefitted from these measures, which included an increase in the Living Alone Allowance of €10 per week, the Fuel Allowance bring increased by €5.50 per week, and increases to the weekly qualified child rates of €4 for children aged under 12, and €8 for those aged 12 and over.
In addition, the earnings disregard for both payments was increased by €20 per week, from €120 to €140, allowing recipients to earn more from employment or self-employment without their payment being affected.
To increase the weekly rate of Disability Allowance and the Blind Pension by €20 would cost an estimated €177 million in a full year. Any changes to the rate of payment for Disability Allowance or Blind Pension will be considered in an overall budgetary and policy context.
