Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 October 2025
243. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Social Protection to consider allowing older persons with disabilities to access disability allowance along with their pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54318/25]
View answerThe social welfare system generally operates on a "one-person, one payment" system and where a person has an underlying entitlement to more than one payment they receive whichever is the highest.
Disability Allowance is a means-tested social welfare payment for people who, because of their disability, are substantially restricted from doing work that would be suitable for a person of your age, experience and qualifications. The personal rate of payment is currently €244 per week but this will increase to €254 from January as a result of measures introduced in Budget 2026. Disability Allowance is a working age payment.
The State Pension, whether Contributory or Non-Contributory, is paid to those who have reached pensionable age 66 and who satisfy the qualifying conditions.
Currently, the maximum weekly personal rate of State Pension (Contributory) is €289.30, some €45.30 per week more than those in receipt Disability Allowance. Budget 2026 provided for a €10 increase which will bring this rate to €299.30 from January. So the differential will remain the same.
While people in receipt of the State Pension who also have a disability do not qualify for Disability Allowance, there were a number of improvements in Budgets 2026 which will benefit them including:
• A €10 increase in the maximum weekly rate of all State Pensions from January with proportionate increases for people getting a reduced rate.
• €5 increase in Fuel Allowance from €33 to €38 per week from January 2026. This will provide an additional €140 during the annual fuel allowance season.
• A Christmas Bonus paid in December 2025.
All social welfare schemes are kept under review in the context of the annual Budget process.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
