Overhaul of social welfare system to include single payment
The three lengthy reports come as figures show almost 1,000 tip-offs a month regarding suspected welfare fraud are being made to the department.
While there is no timeframe for introduction of the proposals, they indicate a government desire to alter the way people are assessed for benefits, in line with expected lower rates in future years.
The proposals will go through a public consultation process before any decision on whether they should be implemented.
Minister for Social Protection Eamon Ó Cuiv said reforms were “radical”.
They include:
* On child income support payments, a mixed strategy is likely where the level of support to low-income households comprises both universal payments — at a lower rate than now — and selective payments of the same value. Main child income supports would be pulled into together into one single payment rate per child, supplemented for those on social welfare or low income;
* On working age benefits — new means test rules pulling together other areas, including jobseeker’s allowance, lone parent payments and, possibly, the carer’s allowance. A single payment in the 18 to 66 age group with a greater focus on getting them into work incentive schemes;
* On Disability Allowance — a raising of the minimum age for receipt of it from 16 to 18, and a fresh evaluation of people’s capacity to work, with those in part-time employment to receive part of the benefit.
The minister, meanwhile, signalled a fresh crackdown on welfare fraud while the National Recovery Plan also outlines how the roll out of the Public Service Card will help improve detection rates.
Figures show, in the year to the end of October, the Department’s Control Division had received 9,918 reports on social welfare fraud — 5,622 via email, 3,447 by phone and 849 by letter.
Just two years ago the division received just 1,044 reports to its offices.
The minister said people returning to the labour market would help ease the welfare bill, but the opposition and unemployment support groups have already said that many people are likely to emigrate and there are insufficient training places available.
