Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 142

Rates of assistance and effect of means on rates

Section 142 sets out how the weekly rate of jobseeker's allowance is calculated, including the standard rates, increases for dependants, reductions based on means, and penalty reductions for certain claimants.

• The full scheduled rate applies to claimants who have received jobseeker's benefit, allowance, or pay-related benefit for at least 390 days, or who have recently transitioned from one-parent family payment, bereaved partner's (non-contributory) pension, or carer's allowance.
• All claimants may receive increases for a qualified adult (limited to one) and for each qualified child, with higher child increases applying once a child reaches age 12.
• The allowance is means-tested: if weekly means exceed €1, the scheduled rate is reduced by €1 for each €1 of means above that threshold, and no allowance is payable if means equal or exceed the scheduled rate.
• Claimants subject to penalty provisions for failure to attend an activation meeting or participate in a prescribed course receive a reduced rate, with the standard weekly amount decreased by €90.