Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2025
544. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports available for self-employed people who are unable to work due to a life changing medical diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69437/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social Protection provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to illness or disability. Entitlement to these supports is generally not contingent on the nature of the illness but on the extent to which a particular illness impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work.
Invalidity Pension is a social insurance payment for people aged under 66 who cannot work due a long-term illness or disability. To qualify, the person must have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months or must be permanently incapable of work.
Self-employed persons pay Class S Pay Related Social Insurance, PRSI, contributions which are reckonable for Invalidity Pension. Other Classes that are reckonable for Invalidity Pension are A, E, and H contributions. Claimants must have 260 weeks of paid PRSI contributions since entering social insurance and 48 weeks of paid or credited PRSI contributions in the last or second-last complete contribution year before the ‘relevant date’ – this is the date of the start of the person’s permanent incapacity for work as determined by the department.
Disability Allowance is my Department's primary disability related social assistance scheme. Disability Allowance is a means-tested payment for people with a disability who are aged between 16 and 66. In order to be eligible, the disability must be expected to last for at least one year. The allowance is also subject to a means test, a medical assessment and a habitual residency requirement. The purpose of the means test is to ensure that resources are directed to those with the greatest need for income supports by the State.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
