Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Farm assist is a weekly means tested payment that is paid to low income farmers. To qualify for a payment a farmer must be aged between 18 and 66 years, be engaged in farming, and satisfy a means test. The objective of the means assessment is to arrive at a figure which represents the normal net profit or loss from farming and includes an assessment of income from any other self-employment. This includes all income derived from farming (and other self-employment) less legitimate business-related expenses incurred in connection with the running of the farm. These costs may include rent, the cost of inputs like animal feed and fertiliser, veterinary expenses, hire of machinery, interest paid on business-related borrowings, depreciation of farm equipment and business-related utility bills. Labour costs are taken into account, with the exception of the labour of the farmer and spouse, civil partner or cohabitant.

Information on the qualifying conditions for farm assist is available to the applicant and is also available on the department's website, . However, each application for farm assist is determined on the individual circumstances of that case and it is not, therefore, possible to supply an exhaustive list of allowed expenses. If any customer wishes to discuss the nature of expenses allowable in their case, they should contact their Social Welfare Local Office.