This Insights report explores the health and social care queries from people aged 66 and over that were presented to the Citizens Information Services (CIS) in 2023 and 2024. During this period, over 20,000 people were assisted with over 28,000 health-related queries, indicating a continuing high demand for information and assistance from this age cohort. Their queries mainly concerned the Medical Card, GP Visit card, GP services, dental, aural, optical (eye) health, as well as the Long-Term Illness Scheme and the Home Support Service.

This CIB Insights series report explores data and social policy feedback from Citizens Information Services (CISs) on Housing Grants and Schemes, focusing on the Housing Adaptation Grant for Older People and Disabled People, as well as the SEAI Fully Funded Energy Upgrade Scheme, which had the most queries to CISs in 2022 and 2023. The research explores some broad areas of concern for the public relating to the application process, wait times, maximum grant amounts, grant coverage, and affordability.

This CIB-funded report, researched and written by the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities (NAS) with CIB editorial support, gives voice to the experiences of people supported by NAS. It highlights the multiple barriers that can be faced by people with disabilities when seeking to manage and access their own finances.