Individuals with disabilities who retire and switch to a contributory pension will receive additional funds to compensate for the loss of disability benefits. This adjustment, which aims to align with at least the National Minimum Wage, will add at least 10% of the previous disability benefit to the retiree’s pension.
In addition, financial assistance for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers will see notable increases. Assistance for severe disabilities will rise by €7.42 to €199.61 per week, and standard disability assistance will increase by €3.49 to reach €128.15 per week.
Carer assistance allowance will rise to €179.02 per week and standard assistance to €125.92. These caregivers will receive 1.5 times the benefit rate they previously qualified for.
Allowance for families of children with disabilities will rise by €5, bringing the weekly total to €35. The Carers Grant for families with children over 16 requiring continuous care will also increase, reaching €5,190 per year. Starting in 2025, the government will extend the Carers Grant to parents of children under 16 with severe disabilities who require continuous parental care.
Further support includes a €250 increase in the tax credit for families paying for specialized therapies for their children with disabilities, raising the total annual credit to €750. A new scheme will be introduced to allow parents on social benefits or those not paying taxes to access this credit as well.
A pilot program will launch next year providing evening services for adults with severe disabilities, helping them develop skills and engage more actively in their communities. Additionally, a new day center is set to open to cater to elderly individuals with disabilities.
Grant for the elderly citizens aged 75 to 79 living independently or in private-pay residential facilities, will rise by €50, totalling €350. For individuals aged 80 and older, the grant remains at €450 annually. Additionally, the Carer at Home scheme will increase by €500, raising the annual support to €8,500.
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