Invalidity Pension

This is a long term payment made to insured people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity.

Who qualifies

You must satisfy the following medical and social conditions

1. Medical Conditions

You must have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months OR
Be permanently incapable of work OR
Be over the age of 60 and have a serious illness or incapacity.

2. Social Conditions

You must have at least 260 (i.e. 5 years) PRSI paid contributions and at least 48 contributions paid or credited in the last complete tax year before the date of your claim.

Payment

Invalidity Pension is payable as long as you remain incapable of work. At age 65, the personal rate of payment increases to the same rate as Retirement Pension.
Living alone allowance is payable regardless of age if you are living alone. You are entitled to a Free Travel Pass and if you are medically assessed and being unable to travel alone you may be entitled to a Companion Free Travel Pass.

Notes

• Invalidity Pension is taxable.
• You may be allowed to do rehabilitative type work of a maximum of 20 hours per week and retain your Invalidity Pension. This must be authorised by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

How to apply

Claim forms are available from your local Social Welfare Office or from
Invalidity New Claims Section, Social Welfare Services Office, Government Buildings, Ballinalee Rd, Longford, Ph: 043 45211 or 01 7043000.