Disability pension or disability allowance

My illness benefit will end in July and I receive a form from the welfare asking me to apply for Disability pension or Disability allowance. I can't find any explanation of the differences between the two benefits. I am under investigation for a rare genetic metabolic disorder, my body can't make enough energy from the food I eat. The disorder is affecting my muscles causing mobility problem, for which benefits I should apply?

Disability Allowance is a 'means tested' payment and is generally designed for someone who's disability may only last for a while but you can be on DA for years if you continue to be eligible on medical grounds and means test.

Invalidy Pension is the other option you refer to and is based on your prsi contributions and medical assessment of course.

This generally is geared towards people who may have a long term disability or illness and may perhaps never be capable of working again.

Invalidy Pension is very hard to get and often disability allowance would be a stepping stone to it but not always.