Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 161H

Rate of blind welfare allowance

Section 161H establishes the rate of blind welfare allowance, sets out how an "allowable amount" threshold is calculated differently for those below and above pensionable age, and explains how the payment tapers when means exceed that threshold.

• The weekly rate of blind welfare allowance (the "scheduled rate") is the rate set out in column (2) in Part 1 of Schedule 4 to the Act.
• The full weekly rate is payable where the claimant's means do not exceed a calculated threshold called the "allowable amount", which aggregates the relevant pension rate (including any child increases), a couple's increase where applicable, and the scheduled rate itself.
• The allowable amount is calculated differently depending on whether the claimant has reached pensionable age: for those below pensionable age it uses the blind pension rate and Part 3 couple's increase; for those at or above pensionable age it uses the State pension (non-contributory) rate and Part 2 couple's increase.
• Where means exceed the allowable amount, the payment reduces by 10 cent for every 10 cent of excess means, creating a gradual taper rather than a cliff-edge loss of entitlement.