Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2017
464. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when child maintenance was changed from income for the child to assessable parental income; the way in which this change came about; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47795/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a range of means tested social assistance payments. Social welfare legislation provides that the means test for these schemes takes account of the income and assets of the person and a spouse/partner, if applicable. Income and assets include income from employment, self-employment, occupational pensions, maintenance payments as well as property owned (other than the family home) and capital such as savings, shares and other investments.
Maintenance payments (including maintenance payments made to or in respect of a qualified child) are assessed by first disregarding any housing costs incurred up to €4,952 per annum (or €95.23 per week), and then assessing the remainder at 50%.
Accordingly, the total value of any maintenance payments is never assessed as means for these weekly income support payments and the total income received by the family (social welfare payment and maintenance payment combined) will be higher than someone not receiving maintenance payments.
The method of assessment for maintenance payments was standardised in 2003. Prior to this, the method of assessment varied from scheme to scheme.
