Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023
78. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has any plans to increase welfare rates for those on disability payments in light of additional costs and rising cost-of-living pressures; if any consideration is being given to the provision of a universal non means-tested payment for those suffering from long-term disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15453/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of income supports for those who are unable to work due to illness or disability.
I introduced a number of measures as part of Budget 2023 to support disabled people to mitigate the impacts of the rising cost of living. These were a combination of once-off payments and increases to the rate of weekly income support payments and income thresholds.
In October and November those on long-term disability payments received a once-off double payment and a €500 cost of living Disability Support Grant payment.
People in receipt of the Fuel Allowance benefited from a €400 lump sum payment, with €200 paid to those in receipt of the Living Alone Allowance.
The Christmas Bonus was paid to 1.3 million social welfare recipients, including those on long-term disability payments.
As well as once-off cost of living measures, I also secured increases to weekly payments and income disregards which took effect in January 2023. I increased the maximum rate of disability payments by €12 a week – the largest increase in recent years.
To make secondary benefits more accessible, the means threshold for Fuel Allowance increased from €120 to €200, and Disablement Benefit is now not considered as means for Fuel Allowance applicants.
I also increased the earnings threshold for people on Disability Allowance and Blind Pension by €25 a week from €140 to €165. This means that people can earn more and keep more of their social welfare payment.
The Deputy asked if there has been any consideration of providing a universal non-means tested payment. Any universal payment would involve a significant addition cost and would limit the extent to which available funds can be targeted most effectively to those most in need of financial support. My officials are currently working on a Strawman proposal that will look at the restructuring of long-term disability supports. Work on the Strawman is at an advanced stage and I expect it to be published, for public consultation, during in the next month or so.
I will continue to keep the supports for people with disabilities under review, however any changes to disability payment schemes would have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
