Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
704. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider increasing the means test threshold for the disability allowance in line with the changes made to carer's allowance in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62992/25]
View answerOver the last five budgets the Government has progressively improved payment rates and income disregards for disabled people. The weekly payment rates for Disability Allowance have increased by €51 in that time. From January 2026 the maximum personal rate of payment will be €254 per week.
The earnings disregard has increased by almost 38% since Budget 2021 from €120 to €165 currently. This enables those in receipt of Disability Allowance to earn more without having a negative impact on their means tested payment. It means that people can earn up to €165 per week and keep their payment in full and can earn up to €517.60 per week and keep a small portion of their payment.
Any further changes will have to be considered in a budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
