Earnings from community employment are taken into account in determining the rate of means tested social welfare payments, including the one parent family payment. In general, earnings from CE would not have a bearing on contributory social welfare payments.
As given the earnings disregards associated with OPFP, recipients can earn up to €146.50 and still qualify for a full rate of OPFP. Those who earn between €146.50 and €293.00 may still qualify for a reduced payment. Earnings from CE are treated in the same way as earnings from any other type of employment for the purpose of the OPFP means test.
The implications of CE payments for social welfare payments generally are matters for the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs.