Farm Assist is a means tested payment for low income farmers. If you are a farmer and you have income from another source (such as other self-employment, insurable employment or capital), you may still qualify for a payment under the Farm Assist Scheme.
How do I qualify for Farm Assist?
- You are a farmer
- Aged between 18 and 66
- Satisfy a means test
The means test takes into account virtually all forms of income but assesses it in different ways and disregards various amounts. When you apply for Farm Assist, a Social Welfare Officer will call to see you and conduct a means test.
Some but not all of the payments received under REPS are assessed. If you have leased your milk quota, the income from the leasing is assessed in full. Your income from a job is assessed, but not all of the income is taken into account. Income from an occupational pension is assessed in full. Income from capital includes property, savings and investments are assessed.
The value of capital is assessed as follows:
The first €20,000 of capital is disregarded.
€20,000-€30,000 is assessed at €1 for every €1,000
Next €10,000 is assessed at €2 for every €1,000
Excess of €40,000 is assessed at €4 for every €1,000
The assessment only applies to units of €1,000. Therefore all amounts should be rounded down to the nearest €1,000. For example if you have €38,400 in the bank, the first €20,000 is disregarded, €10,000 is assessed at €1 per €1,000, which is €10 and the remaining €8,000 is assessed at €2 per €1,000, which is €16 per week. So your income from capital is €26 per week or €1,352 per year.
If you have leased all of your land, you are no longer eligible for Farm Assist. If you dont use your farm and as a result have no income from it, an assessment of its value to you is still made. Your home is not taken into account in the means test unless you derive an income from it. Since the 1st January 2007 you are no longer excused from paying PRSI. You must be liable to pay Class S contributions on your income from self-employment.
| Weekly Rates in 2012: | |
| Farm Assist | Maximum weekly rate (2012) |
| Personal Rate | €188.00 |
| Qualified Adult | €124.80 |
| Qualified Child Dependant | €29.80 (full rate), €14.90 (half rate) |
| An increase is payable for each child dependant if you are getting an increase for a qualified adult. If you do not qualify for an increase for a qualified adult, you may get a half-rate increase for a qualified child dependent. | |
How do I apply for Farm Assist?
For further information contact Katie Crowley at 029 60633 or alternatively Download and Complete Form Farm 1 and return this form to your local social welfare office.
