Local Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan has welcomed changes to the Farm Assist Means Test recently announced by Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, the result of which will mean more farmers in the Midlands region benefitting from participation in agri-environmental programmes with no impact to social protection payments with an income disregard now being applied to the Department’s Farm Assist, Jobseeker’s Allowance and State (Non-Contributory ) Pensions.
“This is great news from the Minister of Social Protection to support farmers by making changes to the Farm Assist, Non-Contributory Pension and Jobseekers so small farmers in the Midlands region can also take the lead on agri-environmental policies on their farms.
“It is a sensible approach for farmers who wish to participate in agri-environmental programmes like Glas, REAP, BDGP, and not lose out on their pension or other payments from the Department of Social Protection.
“Farming families can now earn income for their work in improving the environmental side like maintaining hedgerows, fencing off waterways, cover for wild birds, low emission slurry spreading and will not lose out on payments. Minister Heather Humphreys has introduced an income disregard for payments from the Farm Assist, Jobseeker’s Allowance and State (Non-Contributory ) pension.
“Funds under agri-environmental agricultural schemes benefit from the maximum income 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,” Senator Dolan stated.
