A diagnosis can open the door to support at school, in college and at home. This guide explains the main schemes, who they are for, what evidence they ask for, and how much they pay.
Join the Ireland waitlistServices and prices| Support | Who it is for | What it gives |
|---|---|---|
| DARE | School leavers applying to college through the CAO | Reduced-points places and support in college |
| RACE | Junior and Leaving Certificate students | Changes to how exams are taken |
| Domiciliary Care Allowance | Parents of children under 16 | €380 a month (2026), plus the €2,000 Carer's Support Grant |
| Incapacitated Child Tax Credit | Parents of a child with a permanent disability | €3,800 tax credit (2026) |
| Disability Allowance | Adults aged 16 to 66 | Up to €254 a week (2026), means-tested |
| Carer's Allowance | People caring full-time for someone | Up to €270 a week (2026), means-tested |
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) offers college places on reduced points to school leavers whose disability has affected their education. ADHD and autism are separate DARE categories. You apply through the CAO.
If you are getting an assessment with DARE in mind, tell the clinician, so the report includes what DARE asks for. DARE's evidence rules for ADHD
Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE) is run by the State Examinations Commission. It allows changes to how a student sits the Junior or Leaving Certificate, such as a reader, a spelling and grammar waiver in language subjects, or a separate exam centre.
The school applies on the student's behalf, within set deadlines. Decisions are based on how the condition affects the student's ability to take exams in the normal way, so the school gathers evidence such as assessments, medical reports and the support the student already gets. Talk to the school early in the exam year.
A monthly payment for parents caring at home for a child under 16 with a disability, where the extra care the child needs is likely to last at least 12 months. It is based on the impact of the condition on the child, not on the diagnosis itself, and the child must meet the medical criteria.
A tax credit for parents or guardians of a child who is permanently incapacitated, physically or mentally, where it is reasonably expected that the child will not be able to support themselves after age 18. It is worth €3,800 in 2026, for each qualifying child. A doctor certifies the claim. Incapacitated Child Tax Credit on revenue.ie
A weekly, means-tested payment for people aged 16 to 66 with a disability that is expected to last at least a year and that substantially restricts their ability to work. The maximum personal rate in 2026 is €254 a week.
A weekly, means-tested payment for people who care full-time for someone who needs it. The maximum rate in 2026 for a carer under 66 caring for one person is €270 a week.
You do not have to tell an employer or college about a diagnosis. If you do, they can make reasonable changes, such as quieter workspaces, written instructions or extra time in exams. Colleges have disability services that can help even if you did not come in through DARE.
Rates from the Citizens Information Board's 2026 booklet. For eligibility, see citizensinformation.ie or your local Intreo office.
Most of these supports need a written report from a qualified professional. Proco is opening private ADHD and autism assessments in Ireland, starting with adults.
Join the Ireland waitlistServices and pricesWe open for adult ADHD assessments in Ireland first. Join the waitlist and we will email you the moment appointments open.
Joining the waitlist is not a booking. We only email you about opening. Not an emergency service: in a crisis call 112 or 999, or Samaritans on 116 123.