Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1144. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if she plans to change the system in which there is a euro per euro deduction in relation to payments of jobseeker’s allowance for those in self-employment outside of farming and fishing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40493/21]
View answerJobseeker's Allowance is a social assistance statutory payment provided for people, including those who are self-employed, who are unable to find full time employment. Social assistance payments are based on an income need. The means test determines whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency, such as disability, unemployment or caring. This ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most. Social welfare legislation provides that the means test takes account of the income and assets of the person, and spouse/partner if applicable, applying for the relevant scheme. This reflects the expectation that people with reasonable amounts of income or property are in a position to use that income, or to realise the value of the property, to support themselves without having to rely solely on a means-tested welfare payment.In general, earnings from employment are assessed as income across all of my Department's schemes. However a certain amount of income from employment or other sources is not assessed. This is known as an income disregard which may differ depending on the particular scheme. In the case of Jobseeker's Allowance, there is an extensive list of expenses that can be offset against income from self-employment. Any changes to the means test is kept under review in a budgetary context.There are no plans to change the means test at this time along the lines suggested by the Deputy.I trust that this clarifies the position.
