Sep 16 - Increase Of Disability Allowance
The Government has announced that the Disability Allowance will increase by 1.6% with effect from 1st August 2015.
In recent years, the Government has up-rated the Disability Allowance in line with the annual increase of the General Index of Retail Prices. This year, however, the rise of the Index of Retail Prices was 0.1% over the year and would therefore represent a very low increase if applied to Disability Allowance. The Government says it has decided to apply the same allowance increase of 1.6% as was implemented last year in August 2014.
Accordingly, the full monthly rate of Disability Allowance for an adult has been increased from £367.12 to £372.99; whilst the rate for a child or young person under the age of 18 has been increased from £262.23 per month to £266.43. The new rates of Disability Allowance will be paid, together with arrears from 1st August 2015, as from 1st November 2015.
NEW ASSESSMENT PANEL
Furthermore, as announced in this year’s Budget, the Ministry of Social Security carried out a review of the previous procedures and criteria in place for granting the Disability Allowance. A Multi- Disciplinary Assessment Panel, composed of a variety of Health Professionals, has been established. This panel will ensure the timely clearance of applications for Disability Allowance.
Commenting on the above, the Minister for Business and Employment, the Neil F. Costa, said: “We have worked towards achieving a system that will assess individual needs, ensure consistency of decision-making and make the whole process fair and objective. In this respect, I am pleased to note that all historical applications that were pending a decision have now been processed. Further, I am sure that the recipients of this benefit will welcome the increase, which is well above the rate of inflation”.
Further information may be obtained from the Department of Social Security, 14 Governor’s Parade, on Tel. 20048479
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