Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
833. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection the social protection supports available to an individual who drops from full-time hours to part-time hours, working two to three days per week, due to the inability to continue enduring the physically taxing nature of the job on a full-time basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13394/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main social welfare schemes for people who are unable to find full-time employment are the social insurance contribution-based Jobseeker's Benefit and the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance. These schemes allow a person to work up to three days per week, where they are fully unemployed for at least four in any seven consecutive days. Among the qualifying conditions for both schemes are that a person must be available for and genuinely seeking full-time work.
Jobseeker's Benefit is available to people under 66 years of age who become fully or partly unemployed, irrespective of the nature of their previous employment, and who have paid enough social insurance (PRSI) contributions.
Jobseeker's Allowance is a social assistance payment for unemployed people who have not paid enough social insurance contributions and who are seeking full-time work. A person can take up employment for three days and may still qualify for the support. Earnings from employment are assessed as part of the means assessment.
If a person leaves their job or reduces their days of employment they may be regarded as having deprived themselves of an income. In these circumstances they may be disqualified from payment for up to 9 weeks as they have reduced their days of employment voluntarily. However, as all cases are decided individually, based on the facts provided by the person, the Deciding Officer may find that the reason for the reduction in days of employment is reasonable. The person is still required to satisfy all of the qualifying conditions to receive the payment, including being capable of work, available for full-time work and genuinely seeking work.
If the Deputy has a specific case in mind, the person concerned should be advised to contact their local Intreo Centre to discuss the appropriate support for their particular circumstances.
Additionally, in September 2022, I secured Government approval to explore the design of a scheme to modify the current Benefit Payment for 65-year-olds to provide a benefit payment for people who, following a long working life, 40 years or more, are not in a position to remain working in their early 60s. The introduction of such a payment will be considered by officials in my Department as part of series of reforms being implemented to the State Pension System.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
