Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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66. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of jobseekers under 25 years of age who are deemed to live independently; the way in which this is determined; and the number of such jobseekers that are expected to qualify for the full rate of jobseekers in the coming year following the recent budget 2020 announcement. [43633/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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On Budget Day I announced measures to support young jobseekers including the abolition of the age-related rate of payment for 25 year olds from January 2020.  This measure increases the personal weekly rate for a young jobseeker from €157.80 up to €203 and will benefit almost 1,800 young people.

I also announced that that the increased rate would be available to jobseekers aged 18 to 24 who are living independently and in receipt of State housing supports including rent supplement and the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). 

My Department has estimated that around 300 young jobseekers could benefit from this measure from January 2020 based on data available within the Department and in respect of HAP.  This will provide significant financial support towards these young people's housing costs as the weekly jobseekers payment will increase by up to €90.30.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.