John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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611. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of jobseeker's aged 18 to 24 years of age who will see their payment rate increased to the full rate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42053/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The age related reduced rates for Jobseeker Allowance (JA) recipients aged 18 to 25 were introduced on a phased basis from 2009 to protect them from welfare dependency by providing them with a strong financial incentive to participate in education or training to improve their chances of obtaining sustainable full time employment.

As part of the review of reduced rates being carried out in my Department, it was identified that there is a small cohort of young people who face significant financial barriers who are living independently and in receipt of State support towards their housing costs. On Budget Day I announced that the rate of JA and Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) will increase to the full rate for those jobseekers aged 18 to 24 years who are on age-related reduced rates and in receipt of State housing supports including Rent Supplement and the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).  This measure is effective from 6th January 2020 and will provide significant financial support towards their housing costs as the weekly JA and SWA rates for eligible jobseekers will increase by €90.30 and €88.30 respectively.  The estimated number of people who will benefit from this measure is 300 young people.

Another measure which I introduced in Budget 2020 is the abolition of the age-related rate of payment for 25 year olds. This provides for the payment of up to the maximum weekly personal rates of €203 per week for JA recipients and €201 for SWA recipients from the current rate of €157.80. This change is also effective from 6th January 2020 and will benefit almost 1,800 young people

The Deputy will be aware that where a young jobseeker participates in education or training they will receive the maximum personal rate of €203 per week, less any means-related deductions.  Also, jobseekers who participate in the Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS), a work experience scheme for young jobseekers who face barriers to employment, receive a maximum weekly payment of €229.20.  Age-related reduced rates do not apply to jobseekers with a dependent child, who have  transferred to JA from disability allowance (DA), or who were in State care during the 12 months before age 18.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.