Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2023
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to explain the reason that a person (details supplied) has had their jobseeker's allowance reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41679/23]
View answerJobseeker's Allowance (JA) is a means-tested payment made to people who are unemployed and who do not qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit. A person can work for up to 3 days a week and may still get JA for the other days. JA payments are subject to ongoing review by my Department for any income assessable in respect of this scheme. The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned is in receipt of casual JA since September 2021. As part of a standard means review, the person was requested to provide details of all financial accounts held, a current payslip from their employer and a UP15 – Employer Declaration of Income form. Upon receipt and examination of these documents, the means review was completed in July 2023 and it was found that the means of the person concerned had increased. A letter was issued to the person on 17/07/2023 advising them of this outcome.
If the persons circumstances have changed since they submitted their financial information, it is open to them to request a review of the decision by contacting the Parnell Street Intreo Centre with any relevant information.
It is also open to the person concerned to appeal the decision of the Deciding Officer in writing to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office at Freepost, D'Olier House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, D02 XY31 or by emailing swappeals@welfare.ie .
I trust this clarifies the matter.
