Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
355. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if savings are taken into account in the means test for disability allowance; if so, the amount allowed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31568/26]
View answerSocial welfare legislation provides that for means-tested social assistance schemes, including Disability Allowance, all income and assets belonging to the claimant, and his or her spouse or partner where applicable, are assessable for means-testing purposes. A person's home is not included in the means assessment.
Applying a means-test ensures that the recipient has an income need and that scarce resources are targeted to those with the greatest need. This approach supports an economically sustainable and socially equitable allocation of scarce resources. It is important to note that there are disregards in place in relation to certain income and assets.
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 is compared to €20,000 for most social welfare payments.
People in receipt of Disability Allowance can take up employment or self-employment and continue to receive all or part of their payment, depending on their income. The earnings disregard has increased by almost 38% since Budget 2021 from €120 to €165 currently. This means that a person can earn up to €165 a week and keep their full rate payment. Earnings between €165 and €375 are assessed at 50%, and any earnings over €375 are fully assessed as means. As a result, people can earn up to €165 per week and keep their payment in full and can earn up to €527.60 per week and keep a portion of their payment.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
