Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1090. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied); and the proposals that are being considered to deal with the issues highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42509/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of income supports for those unable to work due to illness or disability.
There are schemes available to people based on Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions, for example Invalidity Pension and Illness Benefit (Illness Benefit is a short term scheme payable for a maximum of 104 weeks).
Entitlement to these, non means tested schemes, 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.
Where a person does not qualify for a social insurance payment, they may be eligible to apply for the relevant means-tested social assistance scheme, for example, the Blind Pension. The system of social assistance provides payments based on an income need with the means test playing the critical role in determining whether an income need arises because of a particular contingency – be that illness, disability, unemployment or caring.
Persons are of course able to choose which payment type they wish to apply for.
The personal rate of Invalidity Pension is €213.50 per week, while the weekly rate for the Blind Pension is €208 per week. Additional payments are available under the two schemes where there is a qualified adult and/or children. The rate for a qualified adult, where a person is in receipt of Invalidity Pension, is higher at €152.50 per week compared to €138 under the Blind Pension.
A person in receipt of Invalidity Pension may be eligible to receive the following additional supports, depending on their circumstances:
- Living Alone Allowance
- Free Travel Pass
- Increase for Living on a Specified Island
- Fuel Allowance.
- Household Benefits Package.
In relation to the Blind Welfare Allowance and Personal Assistants queries, these are schemes operated by the HSE under the Department of Health, while the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme comes under the remit of the Revenue Commissioners.
It is important to note that my Department continues to also provide the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, for those whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. Under the scheme, the Department may make an additional needs payment to meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. The scheme is administered by the Community Welfare Service of the Department and payments are at the discretion of the Community Welfare officer taking into account all the relevant circumstances of the case.
The main items eligible for assistance include help with fuel, utility bills, repairs to or replacement of household appliances, clothing, child related items and assistance with travel. Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
By way of additional information, 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 inconsistencies / anomalies, ensure they recognise the continuum of disability, and to support employment. Work has commenced by officials on the strawman, with a public consultation process to be undertaken in due course.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
