Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
647. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is aware of any information/notice or circular being issued by his Department to HSE-funded health and social care services (details supplied) pertaining to possible changes to means testing of residents in receipt of a social welfare payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17169/26]
View answerEligibility for access to HSE-funded health and social care services, including where this includes a means-test, is a matter for my colleagues the Minister for Health and/or the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality.
Disability Allowance is my Department's primary disability related social assistance scheme. The payment is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency requirement. 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.
Disability Allowance has one of the highest capital disregards operated by the Department of Social Protection. A recipient can have up to €50,000 in savings and still receive the full rate of payment. This compares with €20,000 for most social welfare payments.
There are no pending changes to this disregard and my Department has not not issued any information, notice, or circulars to HSE-funded health and social care services on this matter.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
