My Department provides a number of income supports for those unable to work due to illness or disability. Invalidity Pension is paid to people who are “permanently incapable of work” because of illness or disability. It is based on a claimant's social insurance contributions and is not means tested. Increases are paid where there are adult or child dependants. People in receipt of Invalidity Pension are also entitled to a Free Travel Scheme pass. They may also be entitled to additional secondary benefits such as the Household Benefits Package.
A person who has an insufficient PRSI contribution record to qualify for a social insurance scheme, may apply for the appropriate means-tested social assistance scheme. Disability Allowance is a means-tested payment for people with a disability. Eligibility for the scheme includes the requirement that the disability must be expected to last for at least one year, and substantially restrict a person’s ability to work. Increases are paid where there are adult or child dependants. People in receipt of Disability Allowance are also entitled to a Free Travel Scheme pass. They may also be entitled to additional secondary benefits such as the Household Benefits Package.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) was brought in as a short-term measure and is not a long-term income support payment. It has ended following the reopening of workplaces. PUP was open to employees and self-employed people who lost their job due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Persons formerly in receipt of the payment, who remain unemployed, have been moved onto the appropriate jobseekers payment.
Through the Budget process, it is worth noting a number of measures were introduced to support people with disabilities as follows:
- Increases to the weekly rates of payment for working age recipients (under 66 years of age) by €5 per week, with proportionate increases for qualified adults and those on reduced rates;
- Increase to the upper earnings disregard limit for Disability Allowance from €350 to €375;
- Increase to the rate of Wage Subsidy Scheme for people with disabilities by €1 per hour (equivalent to 60% of National Minimum Wage);
- Three grants, currently available through Intreo Centres, are to also be available through EmployAbility contractors in 2022;
- Increase to the general weekly means disregard for Disability Allowance to €7.60 (Currently €2.50 per week);
- Extension to the eligibility for the disregard of PhD scholarship income, in the means test, to recipients of Blind Pension;
- Introduction of a grant of up to €500 in any calendar year towards the purchase of wigs/hairpieces/hair replacement system in cases of hair loss due to illness or treatment of an illness;
- Increase to the Fuel Allowance of €5 to €33 per week - the weekly means threshold was also increased by €20 from €100 to €120;
- Increase to the Living Alone Allowance of €3, from €19 to €22 per week.
In addition, my Department commissioned Indecon International Research Economists to carry out research into the cost of disability in Ireland, in order to get a better understanding of the extent and composition of these costs and the way they affect people differently. The Government published the report in December. Additional costs of disability identified run across a number of areas of expenditure including housing; equipment, aids and appliances; mobility, transport and communications; medicines; care and assistance services and additional living expenses. The Government has referred the report to the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group for consideration and monitoring. This Steering Group is chaired by the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, TD.
My Department regularly reviews its supports and payments schemes to ensure that they continue to meet their objectives, while any proposed changes have to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
