Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need. The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – such as disability, unemployment or caring. This ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most.

The primary social assistance schemes under the remit of my Department for which a means test applies are as follows:

- Jobseeker's Allowance

- Jobseeker's Transitional Payment

- Disability Allowance

- Farm Assist

- State Pension (Non-contributory)

- Blind Pension

- Widow’s, Widower’s and Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non-contributory) Pension

- Guardian’s Payment (Non-Contributory)

- One-Parent Family Payment

- Carer's Allowance

- Supplementary Welfare Allowance

- Working Family Payment

- Rent Supplement

The National Fuel Scheme (Fuel Allowance) also uses a means test to establish entitlement during the Fuel Season; however most recipient households have already fulfilled the means requirements through receipt of a means assessed Social Assistance payment.

Whilst a mean-test is not required in order to qualify the primary recipient for social insurance based schemes, means tests can also apply in respect of the qualification of adult dependants on these schemes.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.