Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026
310. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); if he will provide an update on the disability allowance application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52344/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly payment for people aged 16 to 66 with a disability expected to last at least one year. Eligibility is subject to medical assessment, means test and habitual residence conditions. Applicants must demonstrate that they are substantially restricted in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable given their age, experience, and qualifications, as a result of their condition.
The person concerned has been in receipt of DA since November 2022 and my Department periodically reviews claims in payment to ensure that there is continued entitlement. In this case the means of the person concerned were reviewed.
Means are any income belonging to the person in receipt of DA and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, property, (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
A means review commenced on 26th May 2026 when an information request issued to the person concerned. Following receipt of the requested information on 22nd June 2026, a letter issued to the person concerned on 2nd July 2026, notifying the person concerned that, based upon the information provided, it appears their means may have an effect on their current rate of payment.
Within the same letter the person concerned was notified that, prior to a decision being reached in relation to this case, they were being offered the opportunity to furnish, within 10 days of the date of this letter, any statement or evidence they may wish to provide. To date there has been no response received from the customer.
The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome of this means review in due course.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
