Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1215. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person who moves to Tús from the disability allowance loses their eligibility for the disability allowance following completion of the Tús programme; if so, if they have to reapply for the disability allowance and be re-assessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40170/22]
View answerDisability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical examination, a means test and Habitual Residency conditions.
The Tús initiative programme is a community work placement scheme providing short-term working opportunities for unemployed people. The work opportunities are to benefit the community and are provided by community and voluntary organisations in both urban and rural areas.
This programme is not open to disability allowance recipients. It is directed specifically at persons in receipt of jobseekers allowance. Eligibility is confined to those on the Live Register for at least 12 months and in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance. These provisions are to ensure a targeted approach to those who are long-term unemployed.
While on disability allowance, a person may take up employment, i.e. they can work and have the first €140.00 of their earnings after deduction of PRSI, pension contributions and union dues) disregarded for the purpose of the means test.
Earnings above this limit will be counted as means.
50% of their weekly earnings between €140 and €375 is then disregarded for the purpose of the means test, while any further earnings, over €375 per week, are fully assessed for the purpose of the means test.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
