Cost of Disability payment just reinstates old support government had scrapped, say advocates
Disability advocates in Ireland are criticizing the government's new €500 Cost of Disability payment, arguing it is insufficient and merely replaces previously scrapped support. Campaigners claim the payment fails to address the actual weekly costs faced by disabled individuals and excludes those who are employed.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between government austerity measures and the financial needs of vulnerable populations, potentially impacting future social welfare policy.
THE NEW COST of Disability payment falls far short of the real expenses people have, campaigners say.
Budget 2027 promises a €500 payment in January that the government says could support as many as 238,000 people with disabilities.
It comes a year after the government discontinued the €400 Disability Support Grant.
Only those already in receipt of long-term disability payments can avail of it.
But the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) says it’ll only cover a “fraction” of the extra costs that come with having a disability.
DFI had called for a payment of €55 per week, or €2,860 annually. The group also say the money shouldn’t only be available to recipients of certain social welfare payments.
Emer Begley, DFI’s director of advocacy, said: “Disabled people who are working continue to face significant disability-related costs.
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