Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
383. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection why a person (details supplied) is receiving a reduced rate of social welfare of €129.70; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52213/23]
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 (JB) or who choose to apply for JA instead of JB. Jobseeker’s aged 18 to 24 are eligible for the full personal rate of €220 of JA if they meet any of the following conditions:
• they have a qualified child.
• they are transferring directly to JA from Disability Allowance.
• they are participating in an approved training or education course - Back to Education Allowance (BTEA).
• if they were in the care of the HSE, Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) during the 12 months before they reached the age of 18.
• if they are living independently and they receive Rent Supplement, Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), Local Authority Housing or housing provided by certain Approved Housing Bodies.
Jobseeker’s aged 18 to 24 who do not meet any of the above conditions are entitled to a weekly rate of payment of €129.70.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for JA and was awarded a weekly payment of €129.70 with effect from 02/10/2023. This weekly rate of payment was applied to the person's claim as they are aged between 18 and 24. If the person concerned meets any of the conditions above, it is open to them to submit documentary evidence of this to their local Intreo Centre in Dun Laoghaire and their claim will be reassessed accordingly.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
