Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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156. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the annual incremental increases in the disability allowance each year since 2008, in tabular form. [35395/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Disability Allowance (DA) is a means-tested payment for people with a specified disability who are aged between 16 and 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test.

The number of DA recipients in each year from 2008 to 2021 along with the corresponding maximum personal rate of payment is set out in the table below.

It is important to note that DA is structured to support recipients to avail of opportunities to pursue their own employment ambitions, be that self-employment or in insurable employment. When an individual commences employment, they can avail of an income disregard of €140 per week. In addition, a 50% taper on earnings between €140 and €350 is also applied (disregarded), for the purpose of the means test.

Table: Disability Allowance Recipients & Maximum Personal Rate 2008 – 2021

* May 2021