Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
367. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Social Protection the rationale that disallows those who qualified for State pension through the invalidity pension, to be entitled to a bonus for people on the invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45110/23]
View answerAs part of Budget 2024, the Social Protection budget, which is the largest in the history of the State, will assist families and vulnerable citizens through a mix of lump sum supports and increases to weekly payments.
The measures introduced include the provision of a one-off €400 Cost-of-Living lump sum, which will be paid in November 2023 to recipients of the Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Invalidity Pension and the Carer's Support Grant. Recipients who are in receipt of one (or more) of these payments will qualify for the €400 payment.
Invalidity Pension is a weekly payment to people who cannot work because of a long-term illness or disability and who are covered by PRSI contributions. Currently, the maximum personal rate of Invalidity Pension is €225.50. It is a working aged payment paid to people between the ages of 18 and up to 66 years.
By contrast, the State Pension, whether Contributory or Non-Contributory, is not a working age payment. It is paid to those who have reached pensionable age 66. Currently, the maximum weekly personal rate of State Pension (Contributory) is €265.30.
Persons in receipt of a State Pension are not eligible for the one-off €400 Cost-of-Living lump sum announced in Budget 2024.
However, persons in receipt of the State Pension will receive the following:
• A €12 increase in the maximum weekly rate of all State pensions from January 2024. There will be proportionate increases for people getting a reduced rate;
• A €300 cost-of-living lump sum for those getting the Fuel Allowance, to be paid in November 2023;
• A €200 cost-of-living lump sum to people who are getting a Living Alone Increase, to be paid in November 2023;
• A Christmas Bonus to be paid in December 2023; and
• A January cost-of-living bonus for pensioners to be paid in 2024.
Any person experiencing financial hardship may seek financial assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme, by way of an Exceptional Needs Payment or Urgent Needs Payment. This scheme does not have age criteria.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
