Getting a diagnosis of ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia (DCD), or a neurodevelopmental condition like Dyspraxia can bring a lot of questions – especially around what learning disability supports Ireland offers.
From benefits that can help with everyday costs to extra help at school or work, knowing what’s out there can really make a difference.
Also, it’s worth acknowledging that not everyone views ADHD, ASD, or similar conditions as disabilities, and that’s completely valid. Still, if these diagnoses impact your education, work, or overall well-being, you may be eligible for support.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the key mental health supports available in Ireland, so you can find the right help when you need it most.
Disability Allowance
Disability Allowance is a weekly payment for people aged 16 to 65 who have a disability that substantially restricts them from working in a job that would otherwise be suitable for their age, qualifications, or experience.
✅ Who Can Qualify?
To receive Disability Allowance, you must:
Be aged between 16 and 65
Have a disability that significantly limits your ability to work
Pass a Means Test, which looks at your income and savings
Provide medical evidence (such as a doctor’s report) to confirm the nature and impact of your disability
👉 For more information and how to apply, visit Citizens Information – Disability Allowance
Domiciliary Care Allowance
Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly payment made by the Department of Social Protection to parents or guardians who care for a child with a severe disability.
It is not means-tested, so your income doesn’t affect your eligibility. The only deciding factor is your child’s care needs and how much extra daily care and attention they require compared to a child of the same age without a disability.
You can receive DCA alongside other payments, such as Child Benefit. Children approved for DCA are automatically entitled to a full Medical Card, which covers GP visits, hospital care, and pharmacy-related costs.
📝 Application Tip:
The DCA application form is quite long and detailed, as it asks for medical reports and a thorough explanation of your child’s care needs. Consider filling it out gradually over a few days.
👉 For detailed guidance and to download the form, visit gov.ie – Domiciliary Care Allowance
Carers’ Allowance
The Carer’s Allowance is a means-tested payment for people who provide full-time care to a child or adult who needs support due to:
Age
Disability
Physical or mental illness, including mental health conditions
If you qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you may also get access to extra supports, including:
The Free Travel Pass
Household Benefits Package (e.g. help with electricity, gas, and TV licence costs — if you’re living with the person you care for)
A GP Visit Card for yourself as a carer
👉 For more information on eligibility, income limits, and how to apply, visit Citizens Information – Carer’s Allowance.
Tax Relief on Health Expenses
You can claim tax relief on health expenses that you’ve paid for yourself, a family member, or any other individual.
This relief applies to a wide range of qualifying health-related costs, including doctor visits, medicines, treatments, and more.
The tax relief is generally given at the standard rate of 20%, which means you can get back 20% of what you spent on eligible health expenses.
👉 For a full list of qualifying expenses and how to claim, visit Revenue.ie – Health Expenses Relief.
Additional Health Care Expenses for a Child
If you’re caring for a child under 18 years of age with extra health care needs, you may be able to claim tax relief on certain expenses.
This includes the cost of services such as:
Educational assessments by a qualified Educational Psychologist
Speech and Language Therapy
Other specialist treatments related to your child’s condition
These expenses can be claimed even if they’re not provided through the public health system, as long as they meet Revenue’s criteria.
👉 To learn more about what’s covered and how to apply, visit: Revenue – Health Care Expenses for a Child
Incapacitated Tax Credit
If you’re a parent or guardian of a child with a permanent physical or mental disability, you may be entitled to the Incapacitated Child Tax Credit.
This tax credit helps support families caring for a child who is permanently unable to live independently or support themselves due to their condition.
✅ Who Can Qualify?
The child must be under 18 years old,
OR
Over 18 and unable to support themselves because of their disability. In this case:
The child must have become permanently incapacitated before the age of 21,
OR
If they were in full-time education or vocational training for at least 2 years, the incapacity must have begun during or after that time.
👉 For full details on how to apply and what documentation is needed, visit Revenue.ie – Incapacitated Child Tax Credit.
Home Carer Tax Credit
If you’re part of a married couple or civil partnership and are jointly assessed for tax, you may be eligible for the Home Carer Tax Credit.
This tax credit is designed to support families where one spouse or civil partner stays at home to care for a dependent person.
👉 Want to check your eligibility or find out how to apply? Visit Revenue.ie – Home Carer Tax Credit for full details.
VAT Refunds on Aids and Appliances
If you live in Ireland and have a disability, you may be entitled to a refund on the Value Added Tax (VAT) you’ve paid for certain aids and appliances that you need in daily life.
It’s not just people with disabilities who can claim. In some cases, members, carers, or anyone else who pays for these items on behalf of a person with a disability can also apply for the refund, as long as the aids or appliances are for the exclusive use of that person.
The scheme is open to people with both physical and cognitive disabilities.
👉 Learn more and find out how to apply at Revenue.ie – VAT Refunds on Aids and Appliances
Housing Adaptation Grant
If changes need to be made to a home to better suit the needs of a person with a disability, you may be eligible for the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability. This grant is available through local authorities and can help cover the cost of making a home safer and more accessible.
It applies to people with a physical, sensory, or intellectual disability, as well as those with mental health difficulties.
👉 For full details on how to apply and what’s covered, visit Citizens Information.
Exam Supports for Students
If you’re a student with learning difficulties like dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, or other similar conditions, you may be eligible for extra support during your second-level state exams.
The RACE (Reasonable Accommodation in the Certificate Examinations) scheme provides accommodations to help level the playing field, such as:
Extra time
Rest breaks
Use of a computer or a reader
👉 For more details on how to apply and what supports are available, visit State Examinations Commission – RACE.
Reduced Points Places At College
If you’re a student with a formal diagnosis of ADHD, ASD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, or a mental health condition, you may be eligible to apply for reduced points places at third-level colleges through the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE).
To apply, you’ll need to provide:
An up-to-date Evidence of Disability Form, completed by a qualified professional such as a consultant psychiatrist, psychologist, neurologist, or paediatrician.
An Educational Impact Statement from your school, outlining how your condition has affected your second-level education.
👉 For more information and how to apply, visit DARE – Disability Access Route to Education.
All Abilities Ireland: This organisation focuses on neurodiversity and offers various programs and supports for individuals and families managing autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia, ADHD, and other conditions.
Spectrum Alliance: An umbrella network of organisations advocating for the needs of people with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and other conditions.
Lámh: Lámh is a manual sign system used by people with intellectual disabilities or communication needs in Ireland.
The NCSE provides information and support for parents and educators regarding special education needs.
