Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023
143. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if she intends on changing the medical criteria for receipt of invalidity pension to align it with the medical criteria for disability allowance; the reason that these criteria are different at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15135/23]
View answerMy Department provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to illness or disability. Our two main long-term disability payments are Disability Allowance and Invalidity Pension.
Disability Allowance is a means-tested social assistance scheme. The medical criterion for Disability Allowance is that the person's disability must be expected to last for at least one year, and the disability must substantially restrict a person’s ability to work. Over 157,000 people were on Disability Allowance in January 2023.
Invalidity Pension is a social insurance scheme. Eligibility is based on PRSI contributions and medical condition. In order to qualify, the person must have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months; or must be permanently incapable of work. Over 56,000 people were on Invalidity Pension in January 2023.
Officials in my Department are working on a Strawman on disability reform in accordance with a commitment under the Roadmap for Social Inclusion (2020 – 2025). The Strawman will provide proposals on the restructuring of these long-term disability payments. I expect to publish it for consultation in Q2.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
