Dáil Candidate Shane P O’Reilly has called for what he describes as the "unfair" means test linked to Disability Allowance to be scrapped. He also wants the earnings disregard to be scrapped after discussing the issues with a group of first year college students who have acquired disabilities.
The Cavan councillor agreed the means test and earnings disregard were forcing disabled people to avoid cohabitation or relationships because they’d risk losing their Disability Allowance, Medical Card or other essential support if a partner or cohabitee earned even just a modest living.
He said disabled people's independence depends on with whom they live and any income that person or persons may have and for 14 years we’ve had lip service paid to the living realities of those in our community with disabilities, many feel marginalised, and isolated, with restrictions on income and health access restrictions.
He continued by saying the means test takes no consideration for rental costs, mortgage costs, mobility costs, extra utility costs associated with a disability or non-funded medical and rehabilitation costs associated with having a disability. The Independent Ireland candidate said for 14 years we’ve had lip service paid to the living realities of those in our community with disabilities, many feel marginalised, and isolated, with restrictions on income and health access restrictions.
