Mobility Allowance

Information

The Mobility Allowance is a means tested monthly payment payable by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland to people aged between 16 and 66 who have a disability and are unable to walk or use public transport and who would benefit from a change in surroundings; (for example, by financing the occasional taxi journey). If an allowance is awarded, it will be continued beyond the age of 66 but you may not apply for the allowance if you are aged 66 or over.

There is no specific legislation in Ireland providing for Mobility Allowance. Instead, this Allowance was introduced in 1979 by the Department of Health and Children and is payable under Section 61 of the Health Act, 1970.

Rules

You are eligible for a mobility allowance if you meet the following conditions:

• You are unable to walk, even with the use of artificial limbs or other suitable aids, or your health is such that the exertion required to walk would be dangerous
• The inability to walk must be likely to last for at least a year
• You must not be medically forbidden to move
• You must be in a position to benefit from a change in surroundings
• You must be living at home or in a long-term institution
• You must pass a means test.

The decision on whether or not you meet the medical criteria is made by the Health Service Executive (HSE) Senior Area Medical Officer for your area. The means test is similar to the means test for the Disability Allowance, with one exception. If you are a couple who are each receiving the personal rate of Disability Allowance, then the amount of payment that you receive over and above the standard social welfare rate for a couple will be taken into account as means.

Since 1 July 2002, if you receive a Motorised Transport Grant, having previously received the Mobility Allowance, you will no longer receive the Mobility Allowance as the payment of a Motorised Transport Grant is subject to the condition that the HSE will not be called upon at any future date to contribute towards the running costs of the vehicle. You will not be eligible for the Mobility Allowance again until three years after the date of payment of the Motorised Transport Grant.

Appealing the refusal of a Mobility Allowance application

There is no statutory appeal scheme for Mobility Allowance. In other words, if you have been refused Mobility Allowance by your Local Health Office, your right to appeal is not set down in law. Where an applicant is refused, the HSE will formally notify you of their decision (in writing) and include details of how to appeal this decision.

Appeal procedures for Mobility Allowance can vary from one Local Health Office to another. Some Local Health Offices for example, will conduct a 'Review Hearing' where independent Senior Medical Officers will meet the applicant and review their application, including the medical evidence. Other Local Health Offices may refer the appeal to their Appeals Office for review. Contact your Local Health Office for information on the appeals process in your area.

Rates

The allowance is paid monthly. A lower rate is payable to people who are availing of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme. The rates for 2010 are:

How to apply

Apply to your Local Health Office.