NDA submission to the Department of Social Protection on the Cost of Disability

The NDA highlighted that any cost of disability payment has to be meaningful so that it can be used to purchase a service or support that will make a difference in the life of the person, and that any payment should be separate to any income support payments that a person may already be receiving. 

We also highlighted that, given the wide-ranging sources of additional costs for people with disabilities, it is important that a range of measures are considered in addressing these extra costs for disabled people. This includes the introduction of a cost of disability payment but also ensuring all Government Departments develop cost of disability measures relevant to the areas within their remit. 

The NDA also highlighted that some targeting of a payment will be required, and that this could involve targeting those people who incur a higher cost in relation to their disability, such as costs related to their assistive technology equipment and maintenance or medication. The submission was informed by a rapid review of approaches taken in some other jurisdictions including Norway, Sweden, Australia and the UK.