People who have been on Illness Benefit for a long time can move to it. Because it is based on PRSI, not a means test, your partner's wages do not reduce your own personal rate.
Quick facts
- Personal rate (2026)
- Up to €259.50 a week
- Qualified adult
- €185.40 a week
- PRSI needed
- 260 paid contributions, plus 48 in a recent year
- Means test
- None on your own rate
- At 66
- Full State Pension (Contributory)
- Comes with
- Free Travel
The PRSI rules
"Only PRSI contributions at Class A, E, H and S count for an Invalidity Pension." You need at least:
- 260 paid contributions (5 years)
- 48 weeks paid or credited in the last or second-last complete year before your incapacity started
"You cannot use voluntary contributions to meet the PRSI rules."
Self-employed people paying Class S count, so this is not only for employees.
The medical rules
You meet the medical rules in one of two ways:
- You have been unable to work for at least 12 months and are likely to be unable for at least 12 more. Time on Illness Benefit or Disability Allowance counts.
- You are permanently incapable of work. In very serious cases you can move straight to Invalidity Pension from a job or another payment.
A Deciding Officer in the Department decides. "If you have been getting Illness Benefit for 468 days, the DSP will medically assess you" and may send you the Invalidity Pension form.
Rates for 2026
- Personal rate: up to €259.50 a week
- Qualified adult: €185.40, depending on their income
- Each child under 12: €58 (full rate) or €29 (half rate)
- Each child 12 or over: €78 (full rate) or €39 (half rate)
The child payment depends on your partner's income. "You will not get an increase in your payment for child dependant if your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant has an income of over €400 a week."
Between €310 and €400 a week, you get the half rate for each child.
"Invalidity Pension is taxable ." The Department tells Revenue what you are paid.
Work, study and extras
"You cannot do paid work and get Invalidity Pension." If you want to go back to some work, ask about Partial Capacity Benefit.
"You must get permission from the DSP before starting voluntary work ." The same goes for a course: get written permission before you start.
"You can get the Free Travel scheme with Invalidity Pension." You may also get the Household Benefits Package.
How to apply
Apply online at MyWelfare.ie with a verified MyGovID, or on paper form INV1. Your doctor fills in the medical report, form INVMed1.
"You can apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance while you are waiting for your Invalidity Pension claim to be processed."
If you are refused, you can appeal.
Common questions
How much is Invalidity Pension in 2026?
Up to €259.50 a week, plus up to €185.40 for a qualified adult, €58 for each child under 12 and €78 for each child 12 or over at the full rate.
Is Invalidity Pension means-tested?
No. It is based on your PRSI record, not a means test. Your partner's income can affect the increases for a qualified adult and children.
How many PRSI contributions do I need for Invalidity Pension?
At least 260 paid contributions, and 48 paid or credited in the last or second-last complete year before your incapacity began. Only Class A, E, H and S count.
Can I work on Invalidity Pension?
No paid work. You need Department permission before voluntary work. Partial Capacity Benefit may let you return to some work.
What happens to Invalidity Pension at 66?
You transfer automatically to the State Pension (Contributory) at the full rate.
Is Invalidity Pension taxable?
Yes. It is a taxable source of income and the Department tells Revenue what you are paid.