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Social Welfare Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021

Tuesday, 16 November 2021

Questions (390)

Joan Collins

Question:

390. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason persons aged over 65 years who would otherwise be entitled to benefit payment are not able to claim the payment along with the half-rate carer’s allowance. [55788/21]

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Written answers

The Benefit Payment for 65 year olds was introduced in early 2021 in line with the Programme for Government commitment, to address the position of people who are 65 who are required to or who choose to retire at age 65 but who do not qualify for the State Pension until they reach age 66.

The underlying statutory basis of this benefit is provided for under Jobseeker's Benefit. However, recipients of the Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds are not required to be available for full-time work or genuinely seeking work and they are not be required to sign on the Live Register. Recipients are exempt from participating in activation unless they choose to engage and can also participate in a course of education while retaining their full payment entitlement.

The objectives of the Jobseeker schemes and Carers schemes are not compatible. The primary objective of the Carer’s Allowance payment is to provide an income support to carers whose earning capacity is substantially reduced as a consequence of their caring responsibilities and in so doing to support the ongoing care of the person in respect of whom care is being provided.

The payment of the Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds and half-rate carers is not permitted under the legislative provisions in place.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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