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What is Disability Allowance?
Disability Allowance is a weekly payment for people with a long term health condition, illness, injury or disability.
Who can get Disability Allowance?
To qualify for Disability Allowance, you must:
- Be aged between 16 and 66
- Be habitually resident in Ireland
- Pass a means test
- Have a health condition, injury, illness or disability that is expected to last at least 12 months
- Be substantially restricted from working in a role suitable for your age, experience, and qualifications
How to prepare for your Disability Allowance application:
The Disability Allowance application consists of multiple parts:
- This online application completed by you.
- The paper medical form (DAMed1) completed by your doctor or GP. The DAMed1 form is available to download on gov.ie or from your local Intreo Centre.
- A completed Provider Declaration (DA-ED1) if you are taking part in a training course or employment scheme. The DA-ED1 form is available to download on gov.ie or from your local Intreo Centre.
You may not be asked for the DAMed1 form as part of this application if you have recently supplied medical information relating to a long term illness based payment.
Important note:
The quickest way to get a decision on your claim is to upload the DAMed1 form with your online application. If you are unable to upload your DAMed1 form now, please upload or post it within 21 days of submitting your online application. If you have any difficulty in providing the form, please contact us within this timeframe. Medical evidence is required to assess your claim. If it is not provided within 21 days, we will be unable to assess your eligibility and your application will be refused. You would then need to make a new application.
How to share your DAMed1 form and other documents with the Department:
There are three ways to provide the DAMed1 and DA-ED1:
- Upload them with your application.
- Upload them via the Manage My Claim service on your MyWelfare account dashboard. This will become available after your application has been submitted.
- Post it to the below address.
Postal address:
Disability Allowance Section,
Department of Social Protection,
Government Buildings,
Ballinalee Road,
Longford,
N39 E4E0
What will you be asked for?
Personal details
You will be asked to confirm your current address and living situation. If living alone, you will be asked if you would like to apply for the Living Alone Increase.
Habitual Residence Condition
You will be asked to provide details of other countries if you have lived outside of Ireland in the last 5 years. You will also be asked to confirm if you need an Irish Residence Permit to live and work in Ireland.
Work details & education experience
You will be asked about your work and education experience and to confirm if you are currently working. This information will help us assess your capacity for work and determine your eligibility for Disability Allowance.
Relationship and household details
You’ll be asked to confirm your relationship status and for details of your partner, including their PPSN and financial information. This will be used to assess your eligibility for Disability Allowance. If your partner’s income is below a certain level, you may also be entitled to an Increase for a Qualified Adult.
If you would like to apply for the Child Support Payment, you will be asked about any dependent children you have. If you would like to apply for Fuel Allowance, you will be asked to provide details for everyone living in the household
Medical Information
You will be asked about the impact of your condition, illness, injury or disability on your day-to-day life and ability to work. This includes details of treatment, supports, doctors, specialists, therapists or consultants. You will also be asked for a completed DAMed1 form.
We may not ask for this information if you have recently supplied medical information relating to a long term illness based payment.
You will need a verified MyGovID account to apply. If you don't have a verified MyGovID account, you can create one here.