Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 February 2023
155. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider allowing widows and widowers to claim jobseeker’s benefit for periods of unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4896/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a number of basic principles which underpin the Irish social insurance system, including the general principle of 'one person, one payment.' Given the contingency-based nature of this system, it can happen that a person may experience more than one contingency at the same time, but generally, as these payments are to help them meet their income needs, he or she can receive only one of those payments.
The concurrent payment of half-rate Jobseeker's Benefit in addition to Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension was discontinued as part of Budget 2012.
Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension is a weekly payment to the husband, wife or civil partner of a deceased person. The maximum personal rate is €225.50 per week in respect of a person under age 66 years, having recently been increased following Budget 2023. In comparison, the maximum personal weekly rate for Jobseeker's Benefit is €220.00.
The combined rates of payment if a person were to be paid both a full rate Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension and Jobseeker's Benefit, neither of which are subject to a means test, would be significantly higher than those paid to other people by my Department.
There are no plans to change the underlying principle of entitlement to allow people to claim multiple payments concurrently.
The Deputy will be aware that I have introduced a number of once-off income support measures to assist people with the increased cost of living.
I trust this clarifies the position.
