Plans are under way to introduce means-testing for the daily expense allowance received by asylum seekers, according to new information released by the Government. These changes are anticipated to roll out in the coming month and stem from concerns within governmental circles that some asylum seekers who are gainfully employed continue to claim these allowances.
Existing guidelines provide for a weekly €38.80 and €29.80 daily expenses allowance for an adult and a child respectively, provided they either reside in accommodation supplied by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS), or are on a waiting list for such accommodation as they await a verdict on their application. For adults who are currently not housed and are on the waiting list for IPAS accommodation, an elevated rate of €113.80 per week applies.
The Government on Gov.ie have disclosed that starting from June 2024, an income evaluation will be initiated for the daily expenses allowance, applicable to individuals aged 18 or over. Their advice further explains that in circumstances involving couples or families, the allowance given to the income-earning person in the group could be decreased or even rescinded. However, specific payments tied to other family members will remain unaffected.
In their guidance towards asylum seekers, the Government stated that the term ‘income’ encompasses earnings from employment, self-employment, and even social welfare benefits. A person’s daily allowance will be terminated if their income exceeds €125 per week for a cumulative period of 12 weeks or more.
According to current rules, once asylum seekers have lodged their request for international protection in Ireland, they can apply for work authorisation after a wait of five months. According to the latest IPAS report, there are presently 1,923 asylum seekers in queue for accommodation, while over 30,000 international protection applicants are housed in IPAS facilities.