Benefits to people who are sick or have a disability

Information

There are a number of social welfare payments for people who are sick or who have a disability.  Payments are made either by the Department of Social Protection or the Health Service Executive (HSE). To qualify for a social welfare payment because you are sick or have a disability you must be certified as sick or disabled by a doctor.

You can qualify for certain payments if you are sick for just a short time. For other payments you need to show that you have an illness or disability that will last longer than one year.  Also, certain social welfare payments are based on your PRSI contributions. If you do not have enough PRSI contributions you may qualify for a similar social assistance payment, however, you must be habitually resident and pass a means test.

Illness Benefit is intended for those with a short-term illness but it can be paid in the long-term.  Invalidity Pension is a long-term payment.  Illness Benefit and Invalidity Pension are social insurance payments based on your PRSI contributions. 

Disability Allowance is a long-term social assistance payment for those aged 16 - 65 with a disability expected to last at least one year.  Blind Pension is also a long-term social assistance payment. If you are blind or have low vision and you are getting Blind Pension or Disability Allowance you may also qualify for Blind Welfare Allowance.

There is also the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme which applies to work related injuries and diseases. If you are injured at work (or traveling directly to or from it) or have contracted a disease due to the type of work you do you may qualify for benefits under this scheme.

If you are sick and do not qualify for any payment you may be eligible for Supplementary Welfare Allowance.

Generally, social welfare payments are made up of a personal payment for yourself and extra amounts for your dependent spouse or partner and your dependent children.

Other Payments

If you are getting a social welfare payment you may qualify for additional financial support because of your illness or disability, for example, under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme you can apply for Diet and Heating Supplements - if you require a special diet for your medical condition or you have exceptional heating expenses due to ill-health or infirmity.

Mobility Allowance is a means-tested monthly payment from the Health Service Executive for those aged 16 - 65 with severe disabilities who are unable to walk and would benefit from a change of surroundings.  Apply to your Local Health Office in the Health Service Executive.

You could be eligible for the Long Term Illness Scheme or a Medical Card or a GP Visit Card. Apply to your Local Health Office in the Health Service Executive. Find out more about health services for people with disabilities.

There are concessions for disabled drivers and passengers and local authority grants to adapt your home.  There are also tax benefits available to people that are sick or have a disability.

If someone is providing you with full-time care they may qualify for a carer's payment.