Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
753. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who transitioned from disability allowance to State pension (non-contributory) upon reaching pension age in 2025; the estimated annual cost of providing those individuals with the State pension (contributory) instead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29717/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance is a scheme for people with a disability who are aged between 16 and 66. Upon reaching 66, the State age pensions, individuals may apply for the State Pension Contributory, or the State Pension Non-Contributory.
There were 3,228 recipients on Disability Allowance who transitioned to State Pension Non-Contributory and 4,450 recipients who transitioned to State Pension Contributory in 2025.
Unlike the means assessed State pension non-contributory, any entitlement to State pension contributory is based on the social insurance record of the person concerned, which may include jurisdictions outside Ireland. It is not therefore possible to estimate the cost of providing contributory pensions to any cohort without an examination of their individual contribution records. It is open to anyone in receipt of a non-contributory pension to apply for a contributory pension if they have social insurance contributions and think they might qualify. If a person has an underlying entitlement to State Pension Contributory, they will be awarded the more beneficial rate of payment between it and the State Pension Non-Contributory.
Any future changes to State Pension Contributory would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context, including consideration of the future sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.
