Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
687. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will investigate the calculation of means of a couple (details supplied) with regard to their disability allowance claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5591/26]
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 medical assessment, means test and habitual residency conditions.
The Department periodically reviews claims in payment to ensure that there is continued entitlement. In this case the means of this couple, who are both in receipt of DA, were reviewed.
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.
I can confirm weekly means were assessed of €209.55 derived from claimant’s employment and capital. This entitled the person concerned to a weekly DA rate of €80.50.
In the other case, weekly means were assessed of €259.96 derived from capital and their partner employment. This entitled the person concerned to a weekly DA rate of €30.50.
Both Claimants were notified of their decisions on 03 December 2025 and given the right to request a review/appeal.
A new review of this couple’s means has now been initiated. A Deciding Officer has sent information requests to both claimants, on 21 January 2026, seeking additional supporting information as part of this review.
Once the requested information has been submitted a decision will be made on their entitlements as quickly as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
