The means test criteria are broadly similar for all social welfare schemes although there are variations in the manner in which some of the components, principally capital and income from earnings, are assessed. For example, the rules of means assessment in the case of widows, lone parents and the elderly are generally more favourable.
A considerable amount of progress has been made in informing social welfare recipients about the means test. The information leaflets on each of the schemes administered by the Department have been revised. These leaflets contain detailed information in relation to each scheme, including comprehensive information on the means assessment provisions.
Under the arrangements for localisation of the services of my Department, the objective is to allow for the service to be co-ordinated to that duplication of procedures such as means tests for unemployment assistance and supplementary welfare allowance can be eliminated.
No question of creating a deterrent to employment arises in relation to social welfare means-tested schemes. In this regard particular employment incentives are provided under the lone parents allowance scheme. If a lone parent takes up employment £312 a year of the earnings of this lone parent is disregarded in respect of each child. Reasonable allowance is also made for child-minding and travelling expenses incurred by taking up a job.
The application of a single means test for all social welfare schemes would have significant costs. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress and the Programme for Government, however, the meanstesting arrangements will be kept under review with a view to their further simplification as resources permit.
