Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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225. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons on a community employment scheme on Budget day until year-end that will revert back to a disability allowance payment will receive the once off €500 as announced. [48821/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, my Department will spend approximately €1.2 billion in one-off measures during the coming months to help individuals and families through this difficult period.

The €500 lump sum payment to those on Disability Allowance, Blind Pension and Invalidity Pension will be paid only to those receiving these payments in the relevant week in November.

However, participants of the Community Employment scheme will be eligible for the Autumn Cost of Living Double Payment later this month, and the Christmas Bonus in December. Those participants with children may also be eligible for the Double Payment of Child Benefit in November.

As part of Budget 2023, I was pleased to announce a €12 increase in weekly payments from next January. This will apply to Disability Allowance recipients and Community Employment, Rural Social Scheme and Tús scheme participants. I am also increasing the Qualified Child rate by €2 per week.

In addition, I am increasing the top-up rate on these employment schemes by €5 per week. This means that, combined with the rate increase, participants on these schemes will see a rise of €17 per week next year, and more for participants with adult or child dependants.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.