Polio Survivors Ireland says polio survivors have once again been excluded from disability support, with those over 65 unable to access the new €500 Cost of Disability Payment announced in Budget 2027.

Following Budget 2027, we are reiterating our call for Government to ensure that people living with the long-term effects of polio can continue to access the supports they need as they age.

Budget 2027 introduced a new €500 Cost of Disability Payment for an estimated 240,000 people in receipt of long-term disability payments. The payment is due to be paid as a lump sum in January 2027. However, this once again leaves out many older people living with the long-term effects of polio. As many members know, Disability Allowance is only available to people aged between 16 and 66, meaning that when people reach State Pension age they move from disability-related payments onto the State Pension and are no longer in receipt of the type of payment covered by the new €500 support. 

We know that you continue to face significant disability-related costs and have called for greater recognition of these ongoing costs in Budget 2027, including continued access to disability-related supports beyond State Pension age. 

We will continue to advocate on behalf of members and to ensure your voice is heard. Our pre-budget submission is available on our website. Click here.