Farm assist recipients given 14 days to verify income

Many farm assist recipients have been given only 14 days to return forms verifying their total annual income.

Unless the form is returned with all documentation within 14 days, their farm assist payment will cease, said Fianna Fáil TD Charlie McConalogue in the Dáil.

Mr McConalogue appealed to Social Protection Minister Joan Burton to ensure farm families who received these forms are allowed appropriate time to return them.

They are asked for the first time for a total list of all livestock sold and bought over the last year, bank statements for the last 12 months, and final subsidy tallies from the Department of Agriculture, usually available in February.

“Many farmers have been left feeling they have been asked to do something with which it will be extremely difficult to comply,” said Mr McConalogue.

Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection Kevin Humphreys said he would speak to Department officials and consider if it is necessary to extend the time allowed for income reviews.