Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) is urging Government to introduce an emergency winter payment for people with disabilities, following deep disappointment that Budget 2026 once again failed to deliver a permanent Cost of Disability Payment.
Without targeted support this winter, thousands of people with disabilities will face increased hardship, isolation, and impossible choices between heating and eating.
“Ireland’s winters are getting colder and costlier. The Government has ignored the urgency of introducing a permanent payment to meet the extra cost of living with a disability,” said Joan Carthy, National Advocacy Manager, Irish Wheelchair Association. “An emergency, one-off winter payment would provide essential relief and help people through the coldest months. Disability poverty doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a system that fails to recognise the real costs of living with a disability. Budget 2026 should have been the turning point – instead, it has turned backwards.”
People with disabilities €1,400 worse off after Budget 2026
IWA analysis shows that people with disabilities are €1,400 worse off in 2026 compared to last year, as key once-off supports have been removed.
| Once-off Measure | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
| Disability Support Grant (€400) | Paid €400 | Removed €0 | Loss €400 |
| Living Alone Allowance (€200) | Paid €200 | Removed €0 | Loss €200 |
| Fuel Allowance (€300 one-off vs €5 weekly rise in 2026 worth €140) | Paid €300 | Reduced €140 | Loss €160 |
| October Double Payment (€254) | Paid €254 | Removed €0 | Loss €254 |
| Electricity Credit (€250) | Paid €250 | Removed €0 | Loss €250 |
| Total One-Off Supports | €1,404 | €0 | Net Loss €1,404 |
“People are suffering today. We cannot wait another day — never mind another four years,” said Joan Carthy. “Many of our members are being forced to choose between eating and heating. It’s just not good enough.”
IWA is calling on people with disabilities, their families, and the wider community to take action by emailing their TDs and public representatives through IWA’s online campaign tool at www.iwa.ie/post-budget-2026 to push for an emergency winter payment.
Together, we can show that disabled people deserve equality, not excuses.
