The farm assist scheme is based on jobseeker’s allowance. It was introduced in 1999 to replace ‘Smallholders Unemployment Assistance’ for low income farmers, without the requirement to be available for and genuinely seeking work.
In Budget 2013 two measures were announced, which were implemented in April 2013, which bring the farm assist scheme into closer alignment with the jobseeker’s allowance scheme’s treatment of self-employed persons by: Increasing the amount of means from self-employment, which is assessed against the claimant from 85% to 100%; and is continuing the means testing disregards for child dependents of claimants.
Payments received under the Rural Environment Protection, Agri-Environment Options and Special Area of Conservation schemes are assessed separately from other farm income. With regard to this income the first €2,540 is disregarded, then 50% of the balance and related expenses are disregarded - with the subsequent balance being assessed as means.
The purpose of the separate assessment of income from these schemes, including the treatment of expenses which relate to costs associated with qualifying for and maintaining compliance with the schemes such as preparing farm agri-environment plans, fencing, wall building and ongoing maintenance, is to encourage environmentally friendly farming practices.
Guidelines for the farm assist scheme and guidelines relating to the assessment of income from farming are published on the Department of Social Protection website: www.welfare.ie.
