Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
418. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is a rule preventing a person on disability allowance or invalidity pension from taking up an unpaid directorship in a company; if such applies in respect of a community group or charity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30860/23]
View answerThe Department of Social Protection provides income supports for people with disabilities. The main long term disability payment supports are Disability Allowance and Invalidity Pension.
Disability Allowance is subject to a medical assessment and means test. The means assessment includes income from employment or self-employment, income from a social security pension from another country and maintenance payments. Where a person in receipt of Disability Allowance intends to undertake unpaid voluntary work they should inform the Department. Their Disability Allowance payment is not affected as long as they continue to meet the qualifying conditions of the scheme including the medical eligibility.
Entitlement to Invalidity Pension is dependent on the individual’s social insurance contribution record and they must be medically unfit for work due to an illness. Where a person in receipt of Invalidity Pension intends to undertake unpaid voluntary work they should inform the Department. An exemption to undertake voluntary work will be granted only for work with a registered voluntary organisation and upon receipt of confirmation from that organisation that there is no remuneration for the work and that the work will be for no more than 10 hours per week.
I hope this is of assistance to the Deputy.
