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Disability Allowance

Up to €254 a week, with extra for a dependent adult or child. The means test can reduce it.

Last checked October 2026

What it is

A means-tested weekly payment, up to €254, for people aged 16 and under 66 with a disability expected to last at least a year. You can do some work and keep part of the payment. Budget 2027: the maximum weekly rate rises from €254 to €264 from January 2027; the weekly earnings disregard rises by €10 to €175 from July 2027.

Who can get it

You are aged 16 or over and under 66. At 66 the payment ends and you are assessed for a State Pension
You have an injury, disease or physical or mental disability that has lasted or may be expected to last for at least one year
Because of it you are substantially restricted from doing work that would otherwise suit a person of your age, experience and qualifications
You pass a means test and the habitual residence condition. The means test counts your income and any income from your spouse or partner

Good to know

The personal rate is €254 a week. An adult dependent adds up to €168.60 if their income is below a set level. A child who lives with you adds up to €58 or €78 depending on their age. It is half in some cases. The official page has the age bands. The means test can reduce these rates
You can work and keep part of the payment. The first €165 of weekly earnings, after PRSI, pension contributions and union dues, is ignored. 50% of earnings between €165 and €375 is also ignored. Anything above €375 a week is fully assessed
The payment is exempt from income tax, PRSI and USC. It continues if you go into hospital or residential care as long as you meet the qualifying conditions
Other supports may be paid with it if you meet their own conditions, including Free Travel, the Household Benefits Package, Fuel Allowance and some Supplementary Welfare Allowance payments
Whichever way you apply, the department asks you to include a completed DAMed1 Medical Report from your doctor. It cannot fully assess your claim without it. The claim date matters. The department's staff guidelines say the report can follow the initial claim. Send it as soon as you have it. Payment is not normally made for any period more than 7 days before you claim. A late claim may be backdated by up to 6 months if you had good cause for the delay. In a few cases, such as wrong information from the department or illness that left you unable to claim, it can go back further
It is not normally paid for any period you live outside Ireland. Tell the department before you leave

How to apply

Apply online through MyWelfare with a verified MyGovID account. Bring the DAMed1 Medical Report to your doctor to complete and upload it with your application. You can also apply by post on form DA1, which has the medical report section built in. If you are on a course or scheme you may need form DA-ED1 as well. Post forms to the Disability Allowance Section, Department of Social Protection, Government Buildings, Ballinalee Road, Longford, N39 E4E0.

Go to the official page →

Checked against the official source on 7 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.

Questions people ask

How much is Disability Allowance in 2026?

The personal rate is up to €254 a week. You may get extra for a dependent adult (up to €168.60) or child. The means test can reduce the amount.

Can I work and get Disability Allowance?

Yes. The first €165 of weekly earnings is ignored in the means test and so is 50% of earnings between €165 and €375. Earnings above €375 a week are fully assessed and your payment may reduce.

What happens to Disability Allowance at 66?

You no longer qualify at 66. The department then assesses you for a State Pension.

How do I apply for Disability Allowance?

Apply online through MyWelfare with a verified MyGovID account or by post on form DA1. Either way the department asks for a completed medical report from your doctor.

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