According to a recent survey conducted by the Rehab Group the cost of living for people living with disabilities has become unmanageable.
The group have revealed that more than 70% of people using its services have said they are finding it extremely difficult to live on their current income from the State.
The new information has led to the charity to call on the Government to increase the disability allowance, and abolish prescription charges in the next Budget.
Speaking about the issue Director of Communications with Rehab, Kathleen O’Meara, said: “The kind of things that they are faced with are struggling every week to stay on top of their bills.”
“People spoke to us of always being short of money and of often having to borrow money for the most basic things like food.”
“Rent and utility bills are things that are taking up most of their income and the affect on them is very isolating, they can’t go out, they can’t socialise and the effects also that it has on their mental health.”
As it currently stands the average single person claiming disability allowance receives €188 per week.