Social Welfare Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023

Wednesday, 18 January 2023

Questions (918)

Seán Canney

Question:

918. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection if participants on CE schemes and rural social schemes qualify for the €500 cost-of-living grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1938/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection

The Department of Social Protection operates a number of employment support schemes, including Community Employment (CE) and the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), for long term unemployed persons which also assist communities across the country in the provision of vital services. 

Budget 2023 was designed to assist recipients of Social Protection payments with Cost-of-Living increases through a mix of lump sum payments, increases to weekly payment rates and an expansion of the Fuel Allowance scheme.  

CE and RSS participant wage rates are determined by their underlying social welfare payment (called the scheduled rate) at the time of commencement, subject to a minimum payment. The minimum payment on CE and RSS increased as part of Budget 2023 from €230.50 to €247.50 per week, from January 2023.  Those in receipt of an Increase for a Qualified Child also benefitted from a €2 weekly increase, while those in receipt of an Increase for a Qualified Adult benefitted from an additional €8 weekly increase.

In addition, a number of once off bonus payments were announced in Budget 2023, which benefitted eligible Community Employment and RSS participants, including a once off payment of €400 for those in receipt of the Fuel Allowance and a €200 lump sum payment for those in receipt of a Living Alone Allowance. These are in addition to the Autumn Cost of Living double week payment, the double payment of Child Benefit in November and the Christmas double payment made in December 2022. 

However, the cost of living disability support grant (€500) was not payable to CE or RSS participants who came from a disability payment.  It was paid to people in receipt of a disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind persons pension.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.