Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
870. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the jobseeker's transition payment to one-parent families in work, training or education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56647/23]
View answerCustomers in receipt of the Jobseeker's Transitional Payment can engage in education, training or employment without it affecting their payment, as long as they continue to satisfy the means test, subject to an earnings disregard.
Recipients of the payment are supported by the Department to enter or return to employment and/or to undertake educational and training programmes, through the services and supports provided by the Department's Intreo service.
Where a customer on the payment enters employment, or has other means, an earnings disregard of €165 per week is applied; in addition 50% of earnings above this figure is also disregarded in the assessment of means.
The Department provides several options for income support to lone parents once their entitlement to the Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment ceases, including Jobseeker’s Allowance, which may be paid to lone parents where the youngest child is aged 14 or over. The Working Family Payment is also available to lone parents who are working at least 38 hours per fortnight. Lone parents who transfer to the Working Family Payment may also apply for the Back to Work Family Dividend.
