Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The decision on the amount of Jobseeker’s Allowance for the customer concerned was due to the financial information that the customer supplied at the time of their application. On the decision letter sent to the customer concerned, the maximum amount payable to them at the time was €145, taking into account €45 means. This rate has increased to €148.30 due to 2022 Budget increase.

As the customer’s spouse is in receipt of a benefit payment i.e. the State Non-Contributory pension, a maximum payable calculation is applicable. As the pension payment cannot be reduced in such cases, this means the reduction must be applied to the allowance payment i.e. the customer’s Jobseeker’s Allowance.

As per the customer’s decision letter, the rate of €157 was noted after means of €45 were applied; however it is further explained that the person concerned was entitled to a maximum of €145 after the maximum pay calculation - i.e. the Spouse’s non-contributory pension family rate of €364.50 less the €219.50 payable to the spouse.

The customer concerned was entitled to appeal this decision for up to 6 months afterwards. If the financial situation of the customer concerned has changed since the original decision, the customer concerned should contact their local office with the updated information and request that a new means assessment is completed.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.