If you are under 16 years of age your parents / guardian may be entitled to Domiciliary or Carers Allowance. Please ask you social worker for information about this.

If you are over 16 years old and have had cancer or are newly diagnosed you may be entitled to Disability Allowance.

This is a long-term payment for those aged 16-65 with a disability (expected to last at least one year) who satisfy both a means and a habitual residency test.Your means and that of your spouse/partner are taken into account but your parent's means are not considered. Two personal rates are paid to a couple where each is eligible for the allowance.If you become a long stay patient in hospital or residential care you retain your payment.

You are entitled to a Free Travel Pass and may qualify for a Companion Free Travel Pass if you are unfit to travel alone. You can earn a 120 Euro from rehabilitative type work without it affecting your Disability Allowance. Before you start work you must get approval from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Application forms (DA 1) are available from your local Social Welfare Office or from the Disability Allowance Section of the Department of Social and Family Affairs and you will need to get your doctor to sign the application form.

Invalidity Pension, Disability Allowance, Disablement Benefit

Social Welfare Services Office,

Government Buildings,

Ballinalee Road,

Longford.

Tel: (01) 704 3000, or (043) 45211

You may be entitled to a Medical card also while on treatment - your social worker should be able to tell you more about this!

Further information on benefits is available in "Entitlements for people with disabilities, published by Comhairle and available from your local Citizens Information Centre.