Major changes to Farm Assist means test

NEW changes to the Farm Assist means test will benefit thousands of farmers.

Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon has welcomed the signing of regulations by Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys that will introduce a new income disregard which will ensure farmers who avail of agri-environmental schemes will not see their social welfare payments impacted.

Explained Deputy Dillon: “As a result of these changes, an income disregard will now be applied to the department’s Farm Assist, Jobseeker’s Allowance and State (Non-Contributory) Pensions.

“Introducing an income disregard under these schemes is intended to incentivise more farmers to participate in them, in line with the government’s climate change objectives.”

Grants under these agricultural schemes benefit from the maximum disregard of €2,450, with the remaining balance assessed at 50%.

So, as an example, a farmer who receives a grant of €2,000 would not see their social welfare payment impacted whatsoever.

Announcing the measures, Minister Humphreys said: “I am delighted to extend the list of agri-environmental schemes that benefit from a social welfare disregard - providing additional certainty to our farming community.

“These measures will benefit thousands of farmers across the country with a maximum disregard of €2,450 being applied.

“I also believe by expanding the list of agri-environment schemes, more farmers will participate.”

Said Deputy Dillon: “As a rural TD, I know the critical role our farmers are already playing in Ireland’s response to climate action. I would encourage small farmers, particularly, to apply for these schemes in the knowledge that it will not have a negative effect on their social welfare payment.”