Publication
Means Assessment (SWA)
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
The following is a brief summary of how means are assessed for the listed SWA payments. The effective Guidelines used in the calculation of means are those issued to the department’s representatives.
Note - The assessment of means outlined below does not apply to Additional Needs Payment (excluding supplements). For these payments, if the customer has financial resources from any income source to meet the need, it would be expected that the customer provides for the need from that source.
Subject to certain conditions, a claimant may work up to 30 hours per week in insurable employment and still qualify for SWA.
Gross income less PRSI and reasonable travel expenses are taken into account for the means test.
Other necessary expenses may be allowed in the case of self-employment.
Section 35 of Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 provides for an amendment in the manner that capital is assessed for the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.
Property or Savings will be assessed on a weekly basis as follows:
In general the following items are not counted in the means test for Basic SWA and supplements:
The following payments are also not taken into account for Rent Supplement and Other Supplement (formerly Mortgage Interest Supplement)
The following compensation awards, together with any subsequent income from the investment of that money are excluded for all SWA payments: