The Irish system of disability supports is broader than most people realise. The weekly Disability Allowance payment is the most visible element, but it sits alongside a range of capital grants, employment subsidies, and tax relief measures that are consistently underclaimed.
The Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS)
From April 2026, the Wage Subsidy Scheme has been updated with increased subsidy rates to support private-sector employers who hire individuals with disabilities. The scheme can provide up to €10 per hour in direct employer support, significantly reducing the cost of taking on staff with a disability and opening up employment opportunities that might not otherwise exist.
If you are an employer, or if you are a person with a disability seeking employment, the WSS is worth understanding in detail before beginning a job search or recruitment process.
The Carer's Support Grant
The Carer's Support Grant is a tax-free annual payment of €2,000 paid to carers each June. It is not means-tested and does not count as income for any other payment assessment. Critically, if you are caring for more than one person, you receive a separate grant for each. This is one of the most straightforward supports available and yet it is regularly missed.
The VAT Refund Scheme for Disability Equipment
Under the VAT Compensation Scheme, you can reclaim 23% VAT on specialised aids and appliances purchased because of a disability. This includes hoists, modified chairs, specialist beds, communication devices, and other equipment prescribed or recommended by a medical professional.
- Patient hoists and slings
- Specialised seating and postural supports
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices
- Modified beds and pressure-relief mattresses
- Stairlifts and through-floor lifts
Claims are made through Revenue. There is no annual cap on the total value you can claim, and claims can be backdated in some circumstances. If your household has made significant purchases of this kind in recent years without claiming, this is worth reviewing.
Other Supports Worth Checking
Beyond these three, people with disabilities may also be eligible for the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme (tax relief and toll/motor tax exemption), the Mobility Aids Grant and Housing Adaptation Grant for home modifications, and the Back to Education and Back to Work schemes if returning to employment or training. Each of these has its own eligibility criteria and application process.
Get Your Full Picture
Our eligibility check assesses all active disability-related supports against your specific circumstances. Many of the grants above are claimed independently of each other, and it is entirely possible to be entitled to several at once.
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