The Jobseeker's Allowance Means Test Explained

Income from work

If you work part-time (up to 3 days per week), the DSP calculates your weekly earnings and assesses 60% of net earnings as means, after a daily disregard of €20 per day worked. The first €20 per day worked is fully disregarded.

Savings and investments

Capital — savings, shares, property other than your home — is assessed using a sliding scale. The first €20,000 is fully disregarded. Between €20,001 and €30,000, €1 per week is assessed for every €1,000. Between €30,001 and €40,000, €2 per week per €1,000. Above €40,000, €4 per week per €1,000.

Spouse or partner income

If you have a spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, their income is assessed as means. Half of their weekly income (after tax and PRSI) is counted. However, if your partner is also on a social welfare payment, their income is generally not counted.

Property other than your home

Rental income from property you own is assessed in full as means. A property you own but do not live in is assessed at its rental value even if you are not renting it out.

Disregarded income

• Your own home — not assessed regardless of its value
• The first €20 per day of casual earnings (up to 3 days/week)
• Child Benefit payments
• Fuel Allowance and similar supplementary welfare payments
• Income from approved FÁS/SOLAS training schemes
• Maintenance payments you receive for children