The Social Protection Minister, Regina Doherty, has announced the extension of the Invalidity Pension scheme to self-employed workers.
The payment of €198.50 a week is for people who cannot work because of a long-term illness or disability.
It will cover the 326,000 people in Ireland who are self-employed, including small business owners, farmers, tradespeople and contractors.
From December 1, those who work for themselves and pay PRSI at Class S will be able to apply for the Invalidity Pension on the same basis as an employee.