“Heat or Eat”: IWA Calls on Government to address the Cost of Disability in Budget 2026

Choosing between eating or heating is an impossible choice many people with disabilities face every winter in Ireland, and Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) is calling on the Government to finally address the cost of disability in the upcoming budget.

Members and staff of the Association gathered outside Leinster House on Tuesday, May 27th to hand over its 2026 Pre-Budget Submission which is urging the Government to introduce a realistic Cost of Disability payment.

A steady flow of representatives from across the political divide came out to engage with members and hear first-hand the issues that are directly impacting them, including the struggle to make ends meet.

Joan Carthy, (centre) National Advocacy Manager, IWA pictured with some of the members and employees outside Leinster House as they handed over their pre-budget submission which calls on Government to address the Cost of Disability in Budget 2026. Photo Gareth Chaney

It comes as 92% of IWA members surveyed reported that they incur extra costs related to their disability. These span across equipment, heating, medical and transport, as people with disabilities often have to rely on costly taxis to get them to and from appointments.

Among those at the event was IWA member Evan Power, who shared how his heating bills reach up to €700 a month during the winter months. After paying his bills, he’s left with just €30 to live on during the summer but in the winter, he could be left with nothing.

“I’m very good at budgeting and manage my money well, but the truth is, once I pay my bills, I have €30 left over each week. Being in a wheelchair with limited mobility means it’s harder to stay warm as my movement is limited, so in the lead up to and during the winter months, I’m totally focused on ensuring I’ve enough money to pay my heating bill, which can go up to €700 a month,” states Evan.

Evan Power (2nd left) pictured with his fellow IWA Portlaoise members, IWA’s Public Engagement Manager John Fulham (Left), and CEO Ann Marie O’Grady outside Leinster House on Tuesday.

Navan IWA member Jane Fennessy also spoke about financial hardship associated with having a disability. She said: “I really struggle with the cost of living as I am on disability allowance, and most of my disability allowance goes on bills before I even get the grocery shop. I would like to see a payment on top of my disability allowance to help me live without fear of turning on my heat or electricity.”

Navan IWA member Jane Fennessy pictured with Meath TDs Darren O’Rourke and Johnny Guirke and IWA’s Chief Operations Officer, Chris Hoey, outside Leinster House on Tuesday during a pre-budget submission by IWA which is calling on Government to address the Cost of Disability in Budget 2026.

IWA’s Advocacy Manager who is heading IWA’s Pre-Budget Campaign stressed that disability poverty ‘doesn’t happen by accident’.

She added: “It’s the result of a system that fails to recognise and respond to the real costs of living with a disability. This budget must be the turning point. We need choice, not charity.”

The submission draws from consultation with over 700 people with disabilities nationwide and makes urgent recommendations, including:

A minimum increase of €78 in the weekly Disability Allowance (from €244 to €322)
A Cost of Disability Payment to reflect the extra living costs incurred by people with disabilities
Pay parity for Section 39 workers, who deliver vital disability services

IWA is also calling for:

Investment in Personal Assistant services, accessible housing, and transport

Resources to fully implement the National Disability Strategy Plan, once issued

With a new Programme for Government and a National Disability Strategy due to be launched, Budget 2026 is an opportunity for a meaningful move towards equality and true inclusion.

“People with disabilities want to contribute, belong and live independently—but the cost of doing so is being ignored. Some members have told to us that they are having to choose between heating their homes or eating. Over half of our members state they do not have enough Personal Assistant hours. While progress has been made with the WRC’s recent pay awards, until full pay parity and a strong workforce plan is in place, organisations like IWA will struggle to have enough people to deliver these and other services for people with disabilities. The low pay review as part of the WRC agreement is an opportunity that needs to be taken seriously if a future sustainable workforce is to become a reality. It has been recognised that there are long-standing sector-wide funding issues. Currently, there is no clear pathway for resolution, which is essential for the future sustainability of the sector, this then will benefit the people we serve and enhance independent living opportunities for people with disabilities across Ireland.” said Joan Carthy. “We have had good engagement with the Minister for Disability and the Department, but this is the Government’s chance to take action through funding and strategic planning for the future of people with disabilities in Ireland.”

Other Key Points reported in IWA’s Survey include:

89% reported that the Housing Adaptation Grant didn’t cover the costs of the adaptation
70% incur medical related costs
69% incur transport related costs
66% incur equipment costs
65% incur additional heating related costs

Read our full submission and find out how you can email your elected representative from our dedicated webpage below.