New income disregard for farmers in shake-up of Farm Assist means test

A shake-up in the Farm Assist means test will see a new income disregard that ensures farmers who avail of agri-environmental schemes will not have their social welfare payments reduced.

Farmers availing of grants under these schemes will be issued a maximum disregard of €2,450, with the remaining balance assessed at 50%.

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

Making the announcement, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said that these "major new changes" to Farm Assist means test will benefit thousands of farmers.

Incentive

An income disregard will now be applied to the Department’s Farm Assist, Jobseeker’s Allowance and State (Non-Contributory) Pensions.

The income disregard is intended to incentivise more farmers to participate in them, in line with the Government’s climate change objectives.

Minister Humphreys said: "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.

"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."

The minister hopes that the changes will lead to an increase in the numbers of farmers in these schemes, which, she said, are crucial in supporting the farm sector.

Both existing recipients and new applicants will benefit from this measure.

Schemes included: