Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
186. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will intervene to reinstate the disability allowance for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5080/26]
View answerDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
Social welfare legislation provides that for means-tested social assistance schemes, all income and assets belonging to the claimant, and his or her spouse or partner where applicable, are assessable for means-testing purposes. The purpose of the means test is to ensure that resources are directed to those with the greatest need for income supports by the State.
The means test takes account of the income a person or couple has in terms of cash, property, other than the family home, and capital.
My Department received correspondence from the person concerned on 06 August 2025, notifying a change of circumstances. Following the review, it was established that the person concerned does not meet the criteria for DA effective from 29 October 2025.
The person concerned was assessed with means of €1,106.81, which exceeds the weekly statutory limit of €456.00. Means derived from the person concerned rehabilitative employment and their Spouse’s Employment
The person concerned was notified on 04 November 2025 of this decision, the reason for it and her right of review and appeal.
No request for a review/an appeal has been received to date.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
