Disability Allowance
A weekly means-tested payment for people aged 16 to 65 with a disability expected to last at least a year. It uses the more generous €50,000 capital disregard, and you can work and keep part of it.
- Type
- Means-tested
- Paid
- Every week
- Taxable
- No
- Administered by
- Department of Social Protection
How much is Disability Allowance?
€254/week
Maximum personal rate
Increases you may also get
| Increase for an adult dependant | €168.60/week |
|---|---|
| Child Support Payment — child under 12 (full rate) | €58/week |
| Child Support Payment — child under 12 (half rate) | €29/week |
| Child Support Payment — child 12 or over (full rate) | €78/week |
| Child Support Payment — child 12 or over (half rate) | €39/week |
Who can get Disability Allowance
- You must be aged 16 to 65.
- You must have an injury, disease or physical or mental disability that has continued, or is expected to continue, for at least one year.
- The disability must substantially restrict your ability to do work that would otherwise be suitable for someone of your age, experience and qualifications.
- You must be habitually resident in Ireland.
- You must pass the means test.
The Disability Allowance means test
Means-tested, but on the generous capital scale — the first €50,000 of savings is disregarded entirely. Earnings from work are partly disregarded too.
How your savings are assessed
Disability Allowance and Carer's Allowance only. The first €50,000 is disregarded — far more generous than the standard scale.
| Capital | Weekly means assessed |
|---|---|
| First €50,000 | Nil |
| Next €10,000 | €1 per €1,000 |
| Next €10,000 | €2 per €1,000 |
| Balance (any capital over €70,000) | €4 per €1,000 |
Capital means your savings, investments, stocks, shares and any property other than your own home. Your own home is never assessed. Capital belonging to a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is included.
Things people get caught by
- Disability Allowance is often the payment people move to when Illness Benefit runs out.
- You can do rehabilitative work and keep part of your payment — earnings up to a weekly limit are disregarded.
What else you might get
Payments interact. These are the ones that commonly go with Disability Allowance.
- Free Travel
Automatic with Disability Allowance.
- Fuel Allowance
If you meet the Fuel Allowance means test.
- Household Benefits Package
If you meet the conditions.
- Medical Card
Not automatic — assessed separately by the HSE.