Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Invalidity Pension is a social insurance scheme paid from the Social Insurance Fund. Eligibility is based on Pay Related Social Insurance contributions and medical condition.  In order to qualify, the person must have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months; or must be permanently incapable of work.

Claimants must have 260 weeks of paid contributions since starting work and 48 weeks of paid or credited PRSI contributions in the last or second-last complete year before the ‘relevant date’ – this is the date of the start of the person’s permanent incapacity for work as decided by the department.  This date is usually after a year of being incapable of working but can be less where a person is considered permanently incapable of work.

Many people claim Illness Benefit initially and then transfer to Invalidity Pension.  It is possible to transfer directly from work to Invalidity Pension if the person’s medical condition is permanent and they will not be in a position to do any type of work again.

Self-employed people who have paid enough Class S PRSI contributions are eligible to apply for Invalidity Pension.

56,444 people were in receipt of Invalidity Pension in February 2023.  The rate is €225.50 per week, with increases available for qualified adult and children.

People in receipt of Invalidity Pension transfer automatically to the State Pension Contributory at the full rate when they turn 66. Invalidity Pension is taxable.  Recipients are entitled to a Free Travel Pass and may also get extra social protection benefits such as the Household Benefits Package.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.