Compensation for permanent disability from a workplace accident or disease
Disablement Benefit Ireland 2026
Disablement Benefit compensates employees who suffer permanent disability or disfigurement from a workplace accident or occupational disease. Paid as a lump sum or weekly pension depending on the degree of disablement.
Disablement Benefit 2026 — At a glance
- 1–19% disability
- Lump sum (gratuity payment)
- 20–100% disability
- Weekly pension — up to €243/week
- Earnings limit
- None — not means tested
- Who is covered
- Class A employees only — not self-employed
Payment by disablement level
| Degree of disablement | Payment type | 2026 rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1–19% | Lump sum (gratuity) | Based on % × full pension value |
| 20–100% | Weekly pension | % of €243.00/week (at 100%) |
| Example: 50% disablement | Weekly pension | ~€121.50/week |
| Example: 30% disablement | Weekly pension | ~€72.90/week |
The weekly pension rate for 100% disablement in 2026 is approximately €243/week. Lower percentages receive a proportional amount.
Who qualifies
- You are an employee (Class A PRSI contributor)
- You suffered a workplace accident or contracted an occupational disease
- The accident or disease has resulted in a permanent disability or disfigurement
- Your disability has been assessed as 1% or more
Self-employed people paying Class S PRSI are not covered by the Occupational Injuries Scheme and cannot claim Disablement Benefit.
How to apply
Apply using form OB1 (Occupational Injuries Benefit claim form), available from your local Intreo Centre or on gov.ie. You will need medical evidence of the injury and confirmation of the workplace accident from your employer.
A DSP medical assessor will examine your case and assign a percentage disablement. You can request a review or appeal if you disagree with the assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Disablement Benefit?
Compensation for permanent disability from a workplace accident or occupational disease. Paid as a lump sum (1–19% disability) or weekly pension (20%+).
How is disablement assessed?
A DSP medical assessor assigns a percentage comparing your capacity before and after the injury. You can appeal the decision.
Can I work while receiving Disablement Benefit?
Yes. It is not means tested — you can earn any amount.
Is it taxable?
Yes, but the first €10,000/year is tax-exempt.
Does it cover self-employed people?
No. The Occupational Injuries Scheme only covers Class A PRSI contributors (employees).
- You do not need to be 100% disabled to qualify — any permanent disability of 1% or more is assessed. Minor disabilities (1–19%) receive a one-off lump sum rather than a weekly pension.
- Self-employed people cannot claim Disablement Benefit — the Occupational Injuries Scheme only covers Class A PRSI contributors (employees). Class S (self-employed) is excluded.
- Disablement Benefit is not means tested — you can work and earn any amount while receiving the weekly pension. It compensates for permanent loss of faculty, not loss of income.
- The tax exemption applies only to the first €10,000 per year — amounts above that are subject to income tax in the normal way.
- Disablement Benefit is separate from Injury Benefit — Injury Benefit is the short-term payment after an accident; Disablement Benefit is the long-term payment once the permanent disability level is assessed.
Official sources
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Disablement Benefit rates and eligibility rules.