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Budget 2010 - what does it mean for you?

Release Date: Dec 10th, 2009

Summary

  • Weekly rates of payment for people under age 66 will reduce by between 3.5% - 4.2%. Qualified Allowance for spouse or partner will reduce by 4.1%.
  • Older people (over 66) have been protected from cuts.
  • Blind Pension has been reduced from €204.30 per week in 2009 to €196 per week in 2010 for the personal rate and from €135.60 to €130.10 for the qualified adult allowance rate.
  • No change to Blind Tax Credit.
  • Blind Welfare Allowance reduced by 4.1%.
  • Domiciliary Care Allowance remains unchanged.

New lower rates of payment for people under the age of 66

Weekly rates of payment for people under age 66 will reduce by between 3.5% - 4.2%. Qualified Allowance for spouse or partner will reduce by 4.1%.

Click here for a breakdown of changes to rates in payment

Supplementary Allowance payable to Blind Persons in receipt of a Blind Pension (Blind Welfare Allowance)

  • Blind pensioner: from €63.60 per week in 2009 to €61 in 2010.
  • Blind married couple: from €127.20 per week in 2009 to €122 in 2010.

Treatment Benefits

  • The Treatment Benefit scheme will be limited in 2010 to the Medical and Surgical Appliances scheme and the free examinations provided for under Dental and Optical Benefits (during 2010). This means that while PRSI holders will still be entitled to a free eye exam, they will no longer be entitled to free prescription glasses or contact lenses.

Older people are protected from cuts

  • Older people will continue to get their State Pension at current rates as well as the Free Travel, Free TV Licence, Electricity or Gas Allowance.
  • Allowances such as the Living Alone Allowance, Over 80 Age Allowance and Fuel Allowances will not change.

Carers

  • The half rate Carer’s Allowance will continue to be paid to people who are full-time carers and who are getting another welfare payment. Carers will continue to get the annual Respite Care Grant of €1,700 for each care recipient.
  • Carer’s Allowance rates for carers over 66 years of age will not change.
  • Rates for carers under age 66 years will reduce by between 3.7%-3.9%.

Drugs Payment Scheme

The monthly threshold is being increased from €100 to €120 per month.
Prescription charge for medical card and Long Term Illness Card holders

Medical card and Long Term Illness Card holders will pay a charge of 50 cent per prescription item, subject to a monthly ceiling of €10 per family. (Expected implementation date 1 April 2010)

More information

You can find more information on Budget 2010 by visiting http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/money-and-tax/budget-2010#rules