2032. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full year costs of increasing the threshold to ensure that the first €35,000 of capital is not assessed in the means test for blind pension. [61603/26]

Blind Pension is the primary social assistance scheme for people who are blind or visually impaired. Blind Pension is a means-tested payment payable to those aged between 18 and 66. Eligibility requires that a person’s vision is impaired to such an extent that they cannot perform any work for which eyesight is essential or cannot continue in their ordinary occupation. Blind Pension is the only income support payment designed to cater for people with a specific disability.

In line with many other means-tested social welfare schemes, the first €20,000 of capital is not assessed in the means test for Blind Pension. For amounts over €20,000 the next €10,000 is assessed at €1 per €1,000, the next €10,000 us assessed at €2 per €1,000 with the remainder assessed at €4 per €1,000.

Disability Allowance is my Department's primary disability related social assistance scheme. It is a means-tested payment for people with a disability who are aged between 16 and 66. In order to be eligible, the disability must be expected to last for at least one year and, as a result of this disability, the person is substantially restricted in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable for a person of their age, experience or qualifications.

Disability Allowance has one of the highest capital disregards operated by the Department of Social Protection. A recipient can have up to €50,000 in savings and still receive the full rate of payment. In addition, unlike Blind Pension, Disability Allowance is not taxable.

Anyone who does not qualify for Blind Pension due to the capital assessment can apply for Disability Allowance. Blind Pension and Disability Allowance have the same personal rate of payment, dependent rates, and personal earning disregards.

The number of Blind Pension recipients are decreasing year on year. Many blind and visually impaired now avail of Disability Allowance. As of the end of July 2026, there were 903 recipients of Blind Pension. Estimated expenditure on Blind Pension for 2026 is expected to be approximately €12 million.

It is difficult to estimate the cost of increase the Blind Pension capital disregard from €20,000 to €35,000. However, for every additional recipient of Blind Pension, the increased cost on the scheme would be almost €13,500 per person, per year. It is worth noting that as those who currently do not qualify for Blind Pension due to their level of capital can avail of Disability Allowance, this is likely a displacement cost.

Any changes to the Blind Pension scheme would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.

I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.