Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
208. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection whether he is aware of a situation wherein an award of the basic income for artists may result in a household losing eligibility for disability allowance, putting them at risk of poverty; and for details of any steps he will take to address this. [12974/26]
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 a medical assessment, a means test, and the habitual residency condition.
The Basic Income for the Artists payment is not a social protection or income support payment. This payment is treated as income from self-employment and the normal means assessment processes apply. The Basic Income for the Artists payment does not impact an individual's secondary benefits where their DA remains in payment.
I can confirm that the person concerned is currently in receipt of DA at a reduced weekly rate of €163.10. Means of €325.00 are derived from her spouses/partner’s self-employment.
Social welfare legislation provides that, for means-tested social assistance schemes, all income and assets belonging to the claimant, and his or her spouse/partner where applicable, are assessable for means testing purposes. 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 that this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
