John Lahart
Ceist:637. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection how the procedures for means testing for disability allowance are carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44089/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 5 November 2024
Ceisteanna (637)
Freagraí scríofa
Disability allowance (DA) is a means-tested payment for people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. The applicant must be suffering from an injury, disease, congenital deformity or physical or mental illness or defect which has lasted for one year or is expected to last for one year and, as a result of which, they are substantially restricted in undertaking work which would otherwise be suitable having regard to the person’s age, experience and qualifications. The person must also satisfy a means test and be habitually resident in the State.
Legislation provides that the means test takes account of the income and assets of the person (and spouse, civil partner or cohabitant) applying to the 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.
Recognising that all work is rehabilitative, DA is structured to encourage recipients to avail of opportunities to engage in either insurable employment or self-employment. When an individual engages in work, they can avail of an income disregard of 100% of the first €165 earned per week. 50% of their earnings between €165 and €375 are then disregarded for the purpose of the means test. Any amounts over €375 are assessed in full. This disregard is available to all DA recipients who engage in employment and there are no restrictions on the hours worked each week.
In June 2024, the introduction of new legislation meant that child maintenance payments are now excluded from all social welfare means tests.
Capital is assessed as means and includes savings and investments and the value of property owned, but not personally used. The table below sets out how capital is assessed.
|
Formula |
Weekly Means |
|
First €50,000 |
Nil |
|
Next €10,000 |
€1 per €1,000 |
|
Next €10,000 |
€2 per €1,000 |
|
Excess of €70,000 |
€4 per €1,000 |
Once the means assessed on a person’s claim are below their statutory limit (for a single person, this is usually the maximum personal rate of €232.00), they will be entitled to retain a weekly payment.
If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, you might provide the relevant details so that my officials can examine the specific case.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.