Disability Allowance is a weekly payment for people aged 16 to 66 whose illness or disability limits the work they can do. This guide covers the medical and means tests and how to apply.
Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly means-tested payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP). You apply free on MyWelfare.ie or with form DA1, with a medical report from your doctor. It pays up to €254 a week in 2026.
Who this is for
- You are aged 16 to 66. At 66 you are assessed for the State Pension instead.
- You have an injury, illness or disability that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 1 year.
- Because of it, you are substantially restricted in doing work that would suit your age, experience and qualifications.
- You pass a means test and the habitual residence condition (Ireland is where you normally live).
The medical and means tests
- Medical: your doctor fills in a medical report (DAMed1). A DSP medical assessor reviews it.
- Savings: the first €50,000 is not counted. Your home is not counted.
- Your spouse's or partner's income is counted. Your parents' income is not.
- Work: the first €165 a week you earn is ignored. Half of what you earn between €165 and €375 is ignored. Earnings over €375 count in full.
What you need
- Your PPS (Personal Public Service) number
- The DAMed1 medical report, completed by your doctor or GP
- A verified MyGovID account to apply online
- Details of your income, savings and any partner's income, with payslips if you work
- Form DA-ED1 (education declaration) if you are on a course or scheme
- Your bank account details
Step by step: apply online
- Ask your doctor or GP to complete the DAMed1 medical report.
- Log in to MyWelfare.ie with your verified MyGovID.
- Choose Disability Allowance and fill in your personal, income and household details.
- Upload your DAMed1 report and any supporting documents.
- Submit your claim and keep a note of the date.
Step by step: apply by post
- Get form DA1 from the gov.ie Disability Allowance page, an Intreo Centre, a Social Welfare Branch Office, a Citizens Information Centre or a Post Office.
- Ask your doctor or GP to complete the Medical Report section in the form.
- Fill in the rest of the form, sign it and attach your documents.
- Post it to the Disability Allowance Section as the form tells you.
How much it costs and how long it takes
| Part of the payment | 2026 | From January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Personal rate | €254 | €264 |
| Increase for a qualified adult | €168.60 | €175.20 |
| Child Support Payment, child under 12 | €58 | €64 |
| Child Support Payment, child 12 or over | €78 | €84 |
The DSP does not publish a standard processing time for DA. If you start work, you must tell the DSP and give proof of your earnings. Since 28 September 2026, people who leave DA for a job can keep Fuel Allowance for up to 5 years.
Common mistakes
You cannot work at all on Disability Allowance.
You can work. The first €165 a week is ignored, and half of your earnings up to €375.
- Sending the form without the medical report. Your doctor must complete DAMed1 or the Medical Report section.
- Thinking your parents' income will count. It does not.
- Not telling the DSP when you start work or your earnings change.
- Giving up after a refusal. You can ask for a review or appeal.
If something goes wrong
- Disability Allowance Section: (043) 334 0000 or 0818 927 770, email DA_InetInfo@welfare.ie.
- Ask the Deciding Officer for a review, or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office within 60 days of the decision.
- Appeal online on MyWelfare with a verified MyGovID, or by post with form SWAO1. Phone (01) 673 2800 or 0818 747 434.
- Citizens Information Phone Service: 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Related guides
- How to apply for Illness Benefit
- How to apply for a medical card or GP visit card
- How to apply for the Fuel Allowance
- How to apply for a Free Travel pass
- How to apply for Carer's Allowance
DA rises by €10 to €264 a week; Child Support Payment rises to €64 and €84 (Budget 2027)
Earnings disregard rises by €10 to €175 a week (Budget 2027)
€500 cost of disability payment due in 2027; payment date not yet published
