Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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44. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a person participating in a rural social scheme may claim widowers pension simultaneously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35983/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The rural social scheme (RSS) provides income support for farmers and those engaged in fishing who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments. Participants are engaged for 19½ hours per week to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities.

An individual in receipt of a widow’s or widower’s pension may retain his/her payment whilst on the RSS. They will receive an additional €20 weekly payment paid directly by the RSS. In cases where the rate of widow’s or widower’s pension is under €188 per week, the RSS payment will be adjusted to ensure a minimum total weekly amount of €208 is received.