Inclusive Employers can make a big difference
For many, getting a job is a step toward independence and a brighter future. But for people who depend on social welfare - especially those with disabilities or carers - the decision to work isn’t simple. Too often, taking up employment means risking the loss of essential supports that make daily life possible.
The “welfare trap” describes what happens when moving into work leads to losing vital benefits. For people with disabilities, the costs of daily living - like transport, medical care, assistive technology, and personal supports - don’t disappear with a payslip. These are necessities, not luxuries, and they’re expensive. When the system asks people to choose between work and well-being, it’s understandable that many feel stuck.
Your Rights and Entitlements
The good news is you can work and keep some, or even all, of your supports—but the rules can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know in Ireland right now:
Disability Allowance & Employment:
You can earn up to €165 per week (after deductions) without affecting your Disability Allowance. If you earn between €165 and €375, only half of that income is counted. Earnings over €375 are fully assessed. Most extra benefits, like the Free Travel Pass and Fuel Allowance, remain in place, though Rent Supplement may be affected. You can join employment schemes and have full employment rights.
Carer’s Allowance & Employment:
You can work, study, volunteer, or train for up to 18.5 hours a week and keep Carer’s Allowance, as long as your earnings are under €450/week for a single person or €900/week for a couple (limits rise in July 2025). You can take up to 104 weeks of Carer’s Leave, though it’s unpaid. Carers may also get extra supports like the Household Benefits Package, Carer’s Support Grant, Free Travel, and a GP Visit Card. Your employment rights are protected while on leave.
The Human Impact
Despite these entitlements, fear and confusion remain major barriers. People worry: What if the job doesn’t work out? What if the employer isn’t supportive, or the work environment isn’t sustainable? What if, after trying to work, you lose your supports and face a slow, difficult process to reapply? For many, that risk is simply too great. The process to reapply for supports can leave people without income or access to essential services, undermining their sense of security.
Complexity and Information Gaps
Another challenge is the lack of clear, accessible information. The rules are complex, and guidance can vary from one official to another. Many people don’t know exactly what they’re entitled to or how much they can earn before their supports are affected. This uncertainty keeps people from making positive changes.
A simple infographic or explainer - showing how much you can earn, what hours you can work, and which supports you can keep - would make a huge difference. Clear information empowers people to make informed choices and reduces the fear that comes with change.
Building Inclusive Workplaces and Systems
Inclusive workplaces don’t happen by accident. They require real support from employers, service providers, and a system that understands the realities people face. The Department of Social Protection and other agencies need to keep evolving: simplifying processes, providing clear, accessible information, and creating flexible supports that adapt as people move into and through employment. True inclusion means breaking down barriers, not building new ones. It means supporting people as they step forward, not punishing them for trying.
Why This Matters
At Galway Rural Development, we see what’s possible when the right supports are in place, as shown by our partnership with Mr. Price Branded Bargains. The changes brought about in people’s lives by inclusive employers like Mr. Price are amazing to witness and be part of. But more broadly, until the system changes, we will keep losing out on the talent, drive, and contributions of people who are being asked to risk everything just to pursue employment. That’s not fair, and it’s not sustainable.
If we want truly inclusive workplaces, we need inclusive systems behind them. Progress shouldn’t require sacrifice - it should come with support. Employers like Mr. Price are ready to embrace diversity, and we should do all we can to make employment pathways as easy as possible for people. Leaving the welfare system should be a positive experience for anyone looking to step into work, not a risk to their security or well-being.