Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
581. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration has been given to disregarding grant and project-based funding as means-tested income for the disability allowance and the blind pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36971/22]
View answerMy Department provides a number of income supports for those unable to work due to illness or disability. There is a range of benefits available to people who make Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions. Entitlement to such benefits is dependent on the individual's social insurance contribution record, the class of social insurance paid as well as satisfying other qualification criteria relevant to the scheme. The Invalidity Pension is an example, of one such income support.
A person who has an insufficient PRSI contribution record to qualify for a social insurance benefit/pension may apply for the appropriate means-tested social assistance scheme. This system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need with the means test playing the critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – be that illness, disability, unemployment or caring. The application of the means test not only ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need but that resources are targeted to those with greatest need.
Disability Allowance and Blind Pension are means tested social assistance schemes, which are also subject to a medical assessment and habitual residency requirement.
It is important to note that within the schemes a number of disregards apply, for the purpose of the means test; these include:
- Both schemes are structured to support recipients to pursue employment opportunities, be that self-employment or insurable employment. In the means test, both schemes have an income disregard of €140 per week. In addition, 50% of earnings between €140 and €375 are also disregarded for the purpose of the means test.
- Capital disregards apply for both schemes.
- Disregards are in place for both schemes were a person is granted a bursary, stipend or scholarship towards completing a PhD. This is subject to an annual limit of €20,000 (i.e., if a recipient gets more than one bursary, the combination cannot exceed €20,000) and is available for a maximum of four years.
- In addition, income received from the SUSI grant is disregarded in the means test for most social welfare schemes.
- The Department also supports all social welfare recipients to avail of education and training opportunities through its Back to Education scheme, as well as by referrals to further education and training opportunities through its Intreo service.
- In addition, there are a number of other scholarships, such as those awarded by certain charitable organisations, which are not assessed as part of the means test for any social welfare payment. These include payments under the 1916 Bursary Fund and under Higher Educational Scholarships for Adult Learners from Uversity.
Finally it is worth noting that, under the Roadmap for Social Inclusion and Pathways to Work strategies, my Department has committed to developing and consulting on a strawman proposal for the restructuring of long-term disability payments. The main objectives are to simplify the system, remove anomalies, recognise the continuum of disabilities and to support employment. Work is underway by officials on the ‘strawman’ with a public consultation to commence in due course.
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.
