Entitlements for People with Disabilities outlined in new guide

A COMPREHENSIVE guide to the range of benefits and supports available for people with disabilities is being promoted by the Citizens’ Information Service in Clare.

The Citizens’ Information Service has published a new edition of the free publication Entitlements for People with Disabilities. The guide explains in detail the disability-related social welfare payments and other relevant financial supports.
According to Paul Woulfe, manager of the Clare Citizens’ Information Service in Clare, there are a range of benefits and supports available for people with disabilities.
“These supports serve a number of different purposes. Some aim to help ensure a basic standard of living, some give support to employees with disabilities and others are designed to help people with a specific disability,” he said. “In this book, we look at the range of supports in detail explaining each benefit, including its purpose, how you qualify, how to apply, other key points you may need to know and where to go for further information. We endeavour to outline and explain the main disability-related payments. However, a lot of people don’t realise it but they may also be entitled to other financial help – for example, if you have a low income, have children or are an older person.
“People who care for people with disabilities are entitled to supports in their own right and may have an entitlement for carers’ payments and also receive household benefits and a free travel pass. The book, which is based on a lot of typical queries we receive, also outlines the rights and entitlements of people with disabilities in relation to health, transport, education, employment, housing, taxation and the law. Complaints, appeals and the role of the Ombudsman are also dealt with and staff at our centre can support people in getting redress if they are refused a payment.
“When necessary, staff can help you access your entitlements by contacting government departments or other agencies. They also help people who are appealing against decisions and can advocate on their behalf added,” Mr Woulfe.
An independent advocate works from the Office of the Ennis CIC to support people with disabilities in relation to independent living, housing rights and general rights and entitlements. People with disabilities may get in touch with the advocacy service directly or may be referred to it by family, friends or services. Disability service-providers may seek an advocacy service for people who use their services. The advocate can be contacted at 086 6010830.
Members of the public can also call the Citizens’ Information Phone Service (CIPS) on 0761 07 4000 or contact CIPS by email at information@citizensinformation.ie.
The phone service is available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm. The Citizens’ Information website, citizensinformation.ie, gives detailed, up-to-date information on public services, including all the benefits and entitlements covered in this booklet.