Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2019
547. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a Jobseeker's Allowance payment for a person (details supplied) has been reduced; if the file will be reviewed in view of a change of circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3768/19]
View answerThe person concerned was awarded Jobseeker's Benefit, JB, a PRSI contribution based payment, on 21 September 2018 at a reduced rate of €88.90 per week. This was based on the contributions paid and the rate of earnings while in employment. He was advised by INTREO staff of his right to apply for a means-tested Jobseekers Allowance, JA, payment and made a claim for the same effective from the same date.
A Supplementary Welfare Allowance, SWA, payment of €107.10 per week was being paid pending a final decision on his JA claim. The combination of payments brought the total received to €196.00 per week. Both JA and SWA payments are subject to a means test and certain other scheme rules. SWA payment was stopped from 12 December 2018 pending the outcome of an investigation of circumstances. The payment of €88.90 per week continues to be paid while the investigation is ongoing. Should the customer wish to discuss these matters in greater detail, he should contact his local Intreo Centre.
This investigation is ongoing and will be concluded in early course, when a decision on the claim will be made.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
