Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue, has welcomed the announcement this week of a new benefit payment for 65 year olds.
The Minister commented “This was a key commitment in the Programme for Government and an important measure which recognises the hard work of citizens throughout their careers.”
Until now, a person who retired on their 65th birthday signed on at their local Intreo Centre for Jobseeker’s Benefit and had to sign-on as required up to their 66th birthday. They also had to be available for and genuinely seeking work in the labour market during these 12 months.
The maximum rate of payment they could receive on Jobseeker’s Benefit was €203 per week.
The Department has already identified customers who are currently receiving a Jobseeker’s Benefit payment who are eligible for this new payment and it is in the process of notifying them of the relaxation of the conditions to their claim.
The new benefit is specifically for people aged between 65 and 66 years who are no longer engaged in employment or self-employment. Recipients of the payment are not required to be available for full-time work or to be genuinely seeking work.
The rate of payment is €203 per week with an increase for dependants, if eligible. Eligibility for the payment is determined by a person’s PRSI contributions. A person in receipt of this payment will not be required to sign on the Live Register. Recipients are exempt from participating in Employment Activation measures unless they choose to do so.
A claim for Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds can be made through www.MyWelfare.ie or by emailing forms@welfare.ie requesting a paper application and it will be posted to the person.
