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Budget 2027: What the disability measures mean for our members

Budget 2027 includes welcome changes to employment supports and additional investment in disability services. However, Down Syndrome Ireland is deeply disappointed that the €500 Cost of Disability Payment falls far short of the €55 per week sought.

We know members and families will want to understand what these announcements mean for them and when they can access the supports. As detailed eligibility rules and implementation dates become available to us, we will update members, explaining who qualifies, when each measure takes effect and any steps needed to apply.

Cost of Disability Payment: €500 is not enough

A payment of €55 per week would provide €2,860 over a full year. The €500 announced is equivalent to just €9.62 per week when spread across a year—a shortfall of €2,360 against the support sought.

People with Down syndrome and their families face additional costs throughout the year, including transport, therapies and support to participate in everyday life. These expenses require an adequate, sustained response.

While €500 will provide some relief, it falls far short of addressing those ongoing costs. DSI will continue to advocate for a recurring Cost of Disability Payment of €55 per week.

The separate €10 increase in weekly disability payments should not be presented as meeting this need. People need adequate income for ordinary living expenses as well as support for the additional costs associated with disability.

Weekly payments and the Christmas Bonus

The package announces:

  • A €10 increase in weekly disability payments.
  • A Christmas Bonus double payment in December for eligible recipients.

These measures will provide welcome help with household expenses. We will share information on qualifying payments and commencement dates as it becomes available.

Employment: a significant step forward

The minimum weekly hours for the Wage Subsidy Scheme will reduce from 15 to eight. This is an important breakthrough for people with Down syndrome who work shorter weeks or want to begin paid employment.

Reducing this threshold was a central recommendation in DSI’s joint submission with Together Academy and The Down Syndrome Centre.

The scheme provides financial support to eligible employers. A lower hours threshold can help more employers across all sectors of business offer paid roles that reflect people’s skills, interests and preferred working hours.

For members, this could mean a first paid job, an opportunity to use their training or greater support for sustainable employment. We will seek clarity on the start date, access for existing employees and the application rules. Eligibility will not be automatic solely because someone works eight hours.

The earnings disregard for Disability Allowance and Blind Pension will increase to €175 per week. This will allow eligible people to earn more before their payment is affected by the earnings assessment. It is not a limit on how much someone can earn; earnings above the disregard are assessed under the relevant rules.

Children’s therapies: additional posts must become appointments

The announcement includes 150 additional multidisciplinary posts in Children’s Disability Network Teams.

DSI welcomes investment in these teams. However, families need access to consistent, timely therapies. The practical test will be whether posts are filled and children receive the appointments and ongoing support they need.

We will seek clear recruitment timelines and information about where the additional staff will be based.

Housing, home support and personal assistance

The package includes:

  • 489 additional residential places and supports.
  • 134,000 additional home-support hours.
  • 57,000 additional personal-assistance hours.

These are allocations across disability services, rather than places or hours reserved for people with Down syndrome.

DSI welcomes additional support but will press for provision that gives people real choice about their lives, including where and with whom they live. Families need planned pathways to support before a crisis develops, particularly as people with Down syndrome and their parents grow older.

We will seek clarity on how these resources will be allocated and accessed.

Respite and day services

The announcement includes:

  • Approximately 14,700 additional overnight and day respite stays.
  • More than 1,500 additional day-service places.

These commitments have the potential to provide greater choice and dependable support for individuals and families. Their value will depend on availability locally, appropriate staffing and services that reflect each person’s interests, needs and goals.

Members need to know when provision will become available and how to apply. We will share these details as they are confirmed.

What DSI will do next

Our priorities are to:

  • Press for an adequate, recurring Cost of Disability Payment of €55 per week.
  • Help members and employers understand the opportunities created by the eight-hour Wage Subsidy Scheme threshold.
  • Seek clear timelines and fair access to the additional therapies, housing supports, personal assistance, respite and day services.
  • Ensure people with Down syndrome have a voice in how these measures are delivered.

There is progress to welcome, particularly on employment. But the cost of disability remains inadequately addressed, and service commitments must now become support that members can actually access.

We will keep members informed as the detailed rules and implementation arrangements are confirmed, with clear, accessible updates on what each change means for you and your family.