Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
890. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection when the existing level threshold for earnings to qualify for the deserted wife’s benefit was last reviewed; if she plans to review the threshold limit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31382/21]
View answerDeserted wife’s benefit (DWB) is a social welfare payment, introduced in 1973 for women who were deserted by their husbands. The scheme has been closed to new applicants from 2 January 1997.
Entitlement to this benefit is subject to a gross earnings limit of €20,000 per annum for claim made on or after 31 August 1992. For claims made before this date, no income limit applies.
With effect from 3 May 2007, the income disregard was increased from €12,697.38 to its current level of €20,000. Any review of the income disregard would have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
