Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
643. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding payments to a category of persons who are currently in receipt of a State payment and will be transferring to the State Pension (Non-Contributory) (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17003/26]
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, the payment will cease and they may apply for and receive the State Pension (Non-Contributory), provided they satisfy the conditions of the payment.
State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory), or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
For the purposes of the means-test for both payments, from application stage through the lifetime of a claim, an applicant must provide full and up to date details of any income(s), asset(s), savings and investment(s) held, including any changes that occur. As the means tests for Disability Allowance (DA) and the State Pension (Non-Contributory) use different rules there is a clause in Section 159 (ca) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 that prevents the rate of payment for the State Pension (Non-Contributory) being lower than the rate the person is entitled to under the Disability Allowance scheme immediately before becoming entitled to State Pension (Non-Contributory).
Entitlement to secondary benefits, including those listed will be assessed at the same time as the primary application, in this case for the State Pension (Non-Contributory).
The Department cannot answer on any individual rates without the information required at application stage.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
