Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
780. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection if the backdating of disability allowance for cam be urgently allowed for a person (details supplied), as this man is very sick and could not submit the form due to illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30341/26]
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.
I can confirm that my department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 30 January 2026.
The person concerned was awarded the maximum rate of DA, Increase for Living Alone, Fuel and Telephone support allowance effective from 04 February 2026. The first payment and arrears of payment due from 04 February 2026 to 03 March 2024 was made by their chosen payment method on 04 March 2026.
This person was notified in writing of these decisions on 25 February 2026.
I can confirm receipt of your representation on 05 March 2026, requesting backdating of the person concerned DA claim to 18 November 2025 due to illness.
Backdating can be allowed up to six months where good cause is shown, including incapacity due to illness or infirmity. Lack of knowledge alone is not sufficient but complex circumstances such as hospitalisation and medical incapacity will be considered.
Following a review and having taken into account the matter raised in your representation of 05 March 2026, the person concerned DA claim has been backdated to Wednesday 19 November 2025,
Arrears payment from 19 November 2025 to 28 April 2026 have issued and will be paid on 29 April 2026 to the person concerned.
They were notified in writing of this decision on 20 April 2026
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
