"You get to 64, and you don't think you'll have to fight for everything," Says Local Woman Fighting For Full Disability Allowance

Thursday, 29 August 2024 16:52

By Martin Osborne

Mary, who had been receiving €159 per week through part-time disability allowance, was informed that she would be eligible for full disability payments after her operation in June.

A Kilcullen resident, identified as Mary (not her real name), has shared her frustrating experience with the disability allowance system.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Mary detailed the challenges she's faced in the 13 weeks since undergoing an operation, during which time she was promised a transition from part-time to full-time disability allowance - a promise that remains unfulfilled.

Mary, who had been receiving €159 per week through part-time disability allowance, was informed that she would be eligible for full disability payments after her operation in June.

The transition was expected to take around six weeks, but despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue, she continues to receive only the part-time amount.

"The last 12 weeks have been incredibly difficult," Mary said.

"I was told that because I was already in the system, it wouldn't take long. But here we are, 13 weeks on, and nothing has changed."

The situation has left Mary struggling to make ends meet, with her €159 weekly allowance barely covering basic necessities. "It wouldn’t pay the bills, it wouldn’t pay the mortgage," she explained.

"My mortgage alone is nearly €1,000 a month, and I live alone."

Despite informing the the Department of Social Protection of her situation and budgeting carefully for the expected six-week delay, Mary finds herself in a precarious financial situation..

With just two weeks left before she plans to return to work, Mary highlighted the urgency of her case.

"This has been a failure," she said.

"You get to 64, and you don't think you'll have to fight for everything."

Kfm has contacted the Department of Social Protection for comment.