Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
546. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has considered implementing a ‘saver clause’ similar to that used when someone transitions from disability allowance to the State pension (non-contributory) for those in receipt of carer’s allowance when they transition to the State pension (non-contributory); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73441/25]
View answerDisability Allowance is a means-tested, weekly allowance paid to those with a disability. It is available to those who are 16 or over and 65 and under. It is not available to those aged 66 or above. When a person who has been in receipt of the Disability Allowance reaches 66, they may apply for and receive the State Pension (Non-contributory), provided they satisfy the conditions of the payment. As the means tests for Disability Allowance (DA) and the State Pension (Non-Contributory) use different rules there is a clause in the regulations that prevents the rate of payment for the State Pension (Non-Contributory) being lower than the rate of payment the person received under the Disability Allowance scheme.
Carer's Allowance is a means-tested, weekly social welfare payment to people who care for someone who needs full-time care and attention because of their age, disability, or illness (including mental illness). There is no upper age limit for receipt of this payment, so there is no obligation for a person to transfer to the State Pension (Non-Contributory) scheme, should that rate of payment be lower. A person in receipt of the State Pension (Non-Contributory) may also receive a half-rate Carer's Allowance. This may be a more advantageous combination of payments for the person.
As either of these options would not see the person receive a lower rate of payments from the Department, there is no need for a “saver clause” to be legislated for.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
