Social Welfare Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022

Tuesday, 13 December 2022

Questions (430)

Noel Grealish

Question:

430. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection if rental income is classed as working or self-employment, when a person over 65 years of age has ceased their full-time work and applied for benefit payment for 65-year-olds, given that the rules of the payment state that a person can continue in subsidiary employment, which could have been done while a person was in full-time employment and outside one’s normal working hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62283/22]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds, provided under the Jobseeker's Benefit schemes, is available to address the position of people who are required to or who choose to retire at age 65 before the pension age of 66.

In the case of person who has ceased their usual self-employment but continues to be a self-employed contributor by virtue of their rental income, the benefit payment may be paid if the person is considered to be engaged in subsidiary employment. However, conditionality does apply including that the income does not exceed approximately €7,500 per annum.

If the Deputy has a specific case, he should forward the details of the case and I will arrange a review of the circumstances involved.

The Deputy should also be aware that any person aged 65 who does not qualify for the benefit payment may apply for the means tested Jobseeker's Allowance.

I trust that this clarifies the position.