Getting Financial Support For People With Disabilities
If you or a loved one has a disability, you’ll understand the ongoing need for financial support. We have a world class medical system, but out of pocket or gap expenses can add up. Then there are the extras such as therapy and specialist aids to enhance quality of life.
We’ve outlined the options available and guidance on how to seek financial assistance for people with disabilities in Ireland.
Government support for disabled people
Our government pensions and schemes aim to provide a wide variety of financial support for people with disabilities.
Disability Allowance
Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a disability. You can get DA from 16 years of age.
If you qualify for DA, you may also get extra social welfare benefits with your payment and other supplementary welfare payments.
To qualify for a DA a medical test is required. It is also means tested, so things like your income will be factored in.
Invalidity Pension
Invalidity Pension is a weekly payment to people who cannot work because of a long-term illness or disability and who are covered by social insurance (PRSI).
To qualify for Invalidity Pension you must meet both:
- Social Insurance (PRSI) rules – see below
- Medical rules – see below
Social insurance (PRSI) rules:
Only PRSI contributions at Class A, E, H and S count for an Invalidity Pension. Most employees are covered by Class A.
You must also have a certain number of PRSI contributions to get an Invalidity Pension.
Blind Pension
Blind Pension is also available to people who qualify.
The Blind Pension is a means-tested payment paid to people who are blind or have low vision and who are habitually resident in Ireland. The payment is made by the Department of Social Protection.
The payment is made up of a personal rate for you and extra amounts for a qualified adult and any child dependants (see ‘Rate of Blind Pension’ below). If you get a Blind Pension, you may also qualify for the Blind Welfare Allowance paid by the HSE.
Blind Welfare Allowance
A Blind Welfare Allowance is also available and on offer.
You may qualify for Blind Welfare Allowance if any of the following apply to you:
- You are getting Blind Pension from the Department of Social Protection (DSP)
- You have a certificate of visual impairment from an ophthalmologist and you are getting an income maintenance payment from the DSP, or an equivalent type social security payment from another country
- You have an income below the combined Blind Pension rate and Blind Welfare Allowance rate (below) and have a certificate of visual impairment from an ophthalmic surgeon
Supplementary Welfare Allowance
There is help available for other costs you may incur through the Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people who do not have enough income to meet their needs or the needs of their family.
This is on offer to people who have no income.
If your weekly income is below the Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate for your family size, a payment may be made to bring your income up to the Supplementary Welfare Allowance rate for your family.
Housing Supplement
If you have special dietary and heating needs you may be able to get additional weekly supplements under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.
You must satisfy the specific requirements for each supplement.
Each supplement falls into the following categories, and there are qualifications for each:
Diet Supplement
- Heating Supplement
- Rent or Mortgage Interest Supplement
- Child Diet Supplement
Long Term Illness Scheme
If you have a medical condition covered by the Long-Term Illness Scheme, you can get free drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances for the treatment of that condition.
You must be ordinarily resident in Ireland to qualify. This means that you are living here and intend to live here for at least one year. Students from outside the EU do not qualify for the Long-Term Illness Scheme.
The Long-Term Illness Scheme does not depend on your income or other circumstances. You may also be eligible for a Medical card or GP visit card, depending on your circumstances.
Other financial support for people with disabilities
In addition to government assistance, many people with disabilities rely on other forms of financial support to meet all their goals, like personal fundraising. Whether it’s a one-off fundraiser or ongoing support from benefactors, there are many ways to fundraise to provide financial support for someone with a disability.
Create your own disability fundraiser
If you are fundraising for something in particular, you could set up a community event like a bake sale or trivia night. It’s a great way to get friends and family involved in raising money for something important. It also helps get you involved in the community and show your face to a worthwhile cause. Offline fundraising works particularly well if there is a specific need in mind such as a new wheelchair or therapy. If people know what they’re supporting, they’re more likely to go out of their way to help.
You can support your offline fundraising with an online fundraiser that’s easy to share with your network. Fundraising platforms like GoFundMe are a reliable and safe way to get donations. You can easily share the fundraiser on social media, email or messenger apps and funds are sent directly to your cause.
Get help setting up your crowdfunding page
Crowdfunding is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get financial help for disabled people. It’s easy with GoFundMe – simply sign up and share your story. It’s always more effective if you ask for what you need rather than a vague fundraising goal. Break down the costs and share with people how their money will help your quality of life or treatment. Setting smaller, more realistic goals is one way you can get to your fundraising goal much faster. By sharing as much as you can through photos and stories, people will be captivated by your story and will be more likely to donate money to your fundraiser. We’ve even collated a tonne of fundraising tips online for those in need of support or inspiration.
Start fundraising for people with disabilities
No matter what your fundraising goal is, all fundraising support for people with disabilities can make a difference. Set up your GoFundMe today and find out how easy it can be.