Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023
419. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if supports are available for a person suffering with fibromyalgia who is working part-time and suffers with mobility and chronic pain; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21753/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to illness or disability. Entitlement to these supports is generally not contingent on the nature of the illness but on the extent to which a particular illness impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work.
Illness Benefit is the primary income support payment for people who are unable to attend work due to illness of any type and who are covered by Pay Related Social Insurance contributions. It is payable for up to two years, depending on satisfying the eligibility conditions.
If a person has insufficient Pay Related Social Insurance contributions, they can apply for a means-tested social assistance scheme, for example, Disability Allowance. Eligibility for the scheme includes the requirement that the disability must be expected to last for at least one year, and substantially restrict a person’s ability to work.
Disability Allowance has been designed to support people to enter or return to employment, be that self-employment or insurable employment. When an individual commences employment, the first €165 of their weekly earnings is fully disregarded for the purpose of the means test. In addition, where their weekly earnings exceed €165, 50% of earnings between €165 and €375 per week are also disregarded for the purpose of the means test.
Where a person with a disability is in employment and requires a more accessible workplace or adapted equipment to do the job, the Workplace Equipment/Adaptation Grant is available towards the costs of adapting premises or equipment. A maximum grant of €6,350 can be given towards the cost of adaptations to premises or equipment. Applications in excess of this sum are considered on an individual basis up to a maximum of €9,523 if specialist training for assistive technology is required.
My Department does not distinguish in relation to illnesses. Every application for the Department's schemes are individually assessed, based on the medical information provided by healthcare providers and the claimant.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
