The maximum rate for most social welfare payments is increasing by €5/week, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has confirmed. Benefit recipients on reduced rates are receiving a proportional increase, and each qualified dependent child is eligible to a €2 increase.

This brings the highest rate for the state non-contributory pension to €232/week, effective from Friday 30 March. Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty said this represents a 4.3% increase.

Farm Assist

The weekly Farm Assist payment to low-income farmers is increasing to €198, effective from last Wednesday 21 March. Those Farm Assist recipients who participate in the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) can now claim €220.50 including payment for the 19.5 hours of community work they provide. This comes after 250 new places were announced under the RSS last week.

Other benefits receiving an increase this week including those for widows, carers, jobseekers, lone parents and people on maternity/paternity, illness or disability supports.

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Revealed: new Rural Social Scheme places in your county