Cost of Disability Public Consultation

DFI has campaigned for many years for increased recognition and action on the extra Cost of Disability. While it has been a long road, we are seeing progress.

The Programme for Government committed to delivering a permanent Cost of Disability payment. The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People allocated the lead role on Cost of Disability to the Department of Social Protection, and made a commitment to a consultative process to develop the Cost of Disability Payment.

The Department of Social Protection recently announced a public consultation on this process. There is an open call for submissions on the Department’s website, with a closing date of 5pm Tuesday 7 April 2026.

The consultation is seeking feedback on two things:

• The agenda and format for a Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit which will be held on the 13 May 2026.
• How the Cost of Disability payment should be designed.

You can read more about the details of the consultation here.

DFI encourages its membership, and members of the disabled community, to participate in the consultation and share your views on this important process. Please also drop us a line to share your submissions at info@disability-federation.ie so we can consider your concerns. Keep an eye on this website to see DFI’s own submission and other updates.