John Brady
Question:441. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide an update on a disability allowance application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52678/26]
View answerTuesday, 14 July 2026
Questions (441)
Written answers
Disability Allowance 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, a means test and the habitual residency condition.
I confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 01 April 2026. Based on the evidence supplied in support of this application, their application for DA was disallowed on the grounds that the weekly means of €796.58 exceeded the Statutory limit of €422.60. The means were derived from the person concerned Spouse’s Self Employment.
Social Welfare Legislation provides that the means test takes account of the income and assets of the person (and spouse/partner if applicable) applying to the relevant scheme. Income and assets include income from employment, self-employment, occupational pensions, maintenance payments as well as property owned (other than the family home) and capital such as savings, shares and other investments.
The person concerned was notified of the decision on 07 July 2026, and they were given the right to a review or an appeal.
Invalidity Pension (IP) is payable to an insured person who satisfies certain Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions and who is permanently incapable of work due to an illness or incapacity and for no other reason. Claimants must have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions (class A, E, H or S) since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last or second last complete contribution year before the relevant date of their Invalidity Pension claim.
Based on the contributions recorded for the individual there may be an entitlement to IP. Eligibility for IP can only be established on receipt of a completed application form and documentary evidence from the customer in relation to their medical condition.
I have asked my officials to send an IP application form to the person concerned for them to complete and return if they wish to apply for this payment. Alternatively, the person concerned can submit an application for IP on their MyWelfare account.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.