Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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211. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding cohabitating couples and income thresholds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37805/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Social welfare payments are paid on a household rather than individual basis. In this regard, for most working age social assistance payments, the qualified adult rate is paid at two-thirds the personal rate. The basis for this is that two individuals maintaining one household will incur lower costs than two people maintaining two separate households.

On Budget Day 2016, I was pleased to announce a number of measures that will be of benefit to families in the situation outlined above. The top up for Community Employment participants will be increased by €2.50 per week. Child Benefit will increase by €5, from €135 to €140 per month. This couple will also benefit from the increase in Fuel Allowance, if eligible, of €2.50, from €20 to €22.50 per week.

In addition, currently, Class A employees, including CE participants, are liable to pay PRSI at the rate of 4% once their weekly earnings exceed €352. From 1 January 2016, the introduction of a new tapered PRSI Credit will reduce the amount of PRSI actually paid, for those earning between €352.01 and €424 in a week. The maximum PRSI Credit of €12 per week is reduced by one-sixth of the difference between gross earnings and €352.01. In the case of a CE participant receiving income of €392.40 the PRSI charge will, after 1 January 2016, amount to €10.43 per week (a reduction of some €5.27 a week).