Targeted Supports Will Help the Most Vulnerable in Cork with Cost Of Living

Budget 2027 delivers targeted support for vulnerable people and families in Cork to assist with the cost-of-living and gives certainty for the winter, Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has said.

Deputy O’Shea said: “Fine Gael and Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris made supporting those who need it most a key priority for this Budget. There will be increased payments for retired and older people, carers and people with disabilities.

“The introduction of a new €500 cost of disability payment aims to assist with the extra and sometimes unexpected financial costs that are associated with having a disability. Specialised care, housing, transport and technology may be required to overcome barriers, and this payment is intended to enable disabled people in Cork live full, equal and independent lives. Alongside this, the weekly disability payment will also increase by €10.”

Carers in Cork will also receive a weekly increase of €10 in their payment and the income disregard to qualify for the carer’s allowance increases to €1,150 for a single person and €2300 for a couple.

“Carers provide often round-the-clock daily, physical and emotional support for elderly, ill or disabled people and their work can never be underestimated or taken for granted. These increases to their income give recognition to their contribution,” O’Shea pointed out.

“Older people, many of whom worked hard all their lives, deserve to feel comfortable and secure in their later years. The state contributory pension has risen by €10 per week, to €309.30, which will help many older people.

“In addition, the fuel allowance has increased by €5 to €43 per week and this represents an additional €1204 to offset against fuel costs per year for households in Cork who qualify. I hope to see even more avail of this payment as a result of the expansion of the scheme, which has also been announced by Tánaiste Simon Harris today.

“Fine Gael set out to back retired and older people, as well as carers and people with disabilities in this Budget, to recognise the contribution they make to our society and give them the security they deserve. Today’s measures deliver on that focus.”