Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
679. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused any form of financial disability aid or other financial supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5454/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability 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 medical assessment, a means test, and habitual residency conditions.
I can confirm the Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 28 June 2025. Based on all the information available to the Department, their claim was disallowed as they failed to provide sufficient information to determine their means, and they also did not satisfy the qualifying medical criteria for the scheme. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 04 September 2025. They were also notified of their entitlement to request a review and/or appeal of the decision.
The person concerned lodged an appeal with the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). The SWAO notified DA Section on 13 November 2025 that they had upheld the decision and the appeal was disallowed. The person concerned was notified directly by SWAO regarding the outcome of their appeal. An Appeal’s Officer’s decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence.
It is important to note, that a person does not need a permanent address to apply for a social welfare payment or service, or to receive a social welfare payment. The person concerned may make a fresh application for DA and if they have an additional, immediate need, she may apply for a payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
