Paul Murphy
Question:474. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if a 65 year-old person in receipt of rental income greater than €7,500 per annum is eligible for the benefit payment for 65 year olds. [27827/22]
View answerTuesday, 31 May 2022
Questions (474)
Written answers
The Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds was introduced on 25th January 2021 in line with the Programme for Government commitment, to provide a benefit payment for people who are 65 and who retire at age 65 but do not qualify for a State pension until they reach pension age of 66.
The benefit payment is provided under the Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self-Employed) social insurance schemes, as appropriate, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 as amended.
In the case of the information provided by the Deputy, whereby a self-employed person is in receipt of rental income greater than €7,500 per annum, they are considered engaged in self-employment and do not meet the eligibility requirements under the Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed) scheme.
Any person aged 65 who does not qualify for the benefit payment may apply for means tested Jobseeker's Allowance. A person can also be engaged in limited self-employment and may still qualify for a Jobseeker's Allowance payment subject to satisfying the scheme conditionality.
I hope that this clarifies the position.