Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 May 2014
110. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans in relation to the assessment of means for qualified adult payments for those in receipt of jobseeker's allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20713/14]
View answerJobseeker’s allowance is a means tested scheme and, in the case of a couple, account is taken of the means of both members of the couple. Where the second member of the couple is a qualified adult and the qualified adult is in employment, gross earnings are reduced by any PRSI, superannuation or payment to a trade union. €20 per day worked (subject to a maximum of €60 per week) of the balance is further disregarded and 60% of any remaining balance is assessed as means.
Where the qualified adult has income from a personal or occupation pension, the relevant amount of pension is fully assessed as means. The arrangements in respect of qualified adults are identical to those which apply if the claimant is in employment or has an equivalent type pension. The purpose of the disregards and tapering arrangements where employment is a factor is to incentivise both claimants and qualified adults, as appropriate, to remain in, enter or re-enter the workforce.
There are no plans to change the current arrangements at this stage.
