Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2013
204. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 7 February 2012, the reason an appeal in respect of jobseeker's allowance payment was disallowed; if she will review the reduced rate of jobseeker's allowance awarded in this instance taking into account the considerable hardship being experienced by the applicant and their family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7803/13]
View answerAs the person concerned is under 25 years of age and living in the family home, parental income is assessable as means. When he applied for jobseeker’s allowance on 18th January 2011, the net weekly parental income was below the assessable threshold applicable in his case and, therefore, he was awarded the full age-related weekly rate of jobseeker’s allowance. On 17th May 2012, a review of his means showed an increase in the net weekly parental income. As a result, means of €65 per week were assessed and this amount was deducted from his jobseeker’s allowance with effect from 23 May 2012. This decision was appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and on 14th January 2013, the Appeals Officer disallowed the appeal on the grounds that the decision was correct and that means had been assessed in line with the provisions of the legislation. If circumstances change in the future, the person concerned should contact his local social welfare office to seek a review of his means.
