Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2022
540. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend eligibility of the disability support grant to include those in receipt of partial capacity benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52013/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2023, the Social Protection budget has been designed to assist people with cost of living increases through a mix of lump sum payments, increases to weekly payment rates and an expansion of the fuel allowance scheme.
The measures introduced include the provision of a one-off €500 Cost-of-Living payment, which will be paid in November 2022 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 €500 payment.
Persons in receipt of Partial Capacity Benefit are not eligible for this once-off lump sum payment. However, Partial Capacity recipients will receive a double payment under the Cost-of-Living support measure, which I announced in the recent Budget, and will be paid from the week commencing 17th October 2022. They will also get the Christmas Bonus double payment which will be paid from the week commencing 5th December 2022.
From January 2023, the maximum rates of Partial Capacity Benefit will increase by €12. There will be proportionate increases for people getting a reduced rate and for qualified adults.
The weekly full rate for a qualified child will increase to:
- €42 for children under 12 years of age
- €50 for children aged 12 years and over
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
