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The Irish Sun

Six new social welfare changes to little-known €245 weekly payment – are you eligible?

SIX changes to a little-known social welfare payment worth €245 each week have been confirmed. The upcoming Advertisement 3 The scheme is designed to support more disabled people into employment Credit: Getty 3 Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary, Minister of State in attendance Hildegarde Naughton, Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire The Wage Subsidy Scheme gives financial support to employers who employ people with disabilities. The scheme is designed to support more disabled people into employment. The changes announced are a result of the recommendations from a review of the WSS, which was carried out by the Department of Social Protection in August 2024. Advertisement Read more in Money The employer will pay the employee the going rate for the job. And the basic rate of subsidy is €6.30 per hour with the maximum annual subsidy to the employer of €12,776, based on a 39-hour week. And this equals around €245.69 each week. The employee must work at least 15 hours a week. Advertisement MOST READ IN MONEY Speaking at the event last week, the Taoiseach said: "I am delighted to launch these improvements to the Wage Subsidy Scheme. Little known social welfare benefits thousands are entitled to "Supports like this play not only a critical role in closing the employment gap for people with disabilities, reducing poverty and supporting families and communities, but also for employers in bringing new ideas, skills and knowledge to their businesses. "I am committed to advancing the rights and improving the lives of people with disabilities including through removing barriers to employment. "Supports such as this revised Wage Subsidy Scheme recognise that the perspective, talents, and contributions of people with disabilities across society add immeasurably to the quality, the richness and the diversity of all our lives." Advertisement SIX NEW CHANGES TO WSS THE reformed scheme now implements the six recommendations made in the review: Reduce the minimum required hours for the scheme. The minimum hours requirement to avail of the subsidy has been reduced from 21 hours to 15 hours to enable those with more limited work capacity to be included. Remove the term 'productivity deficit' from the scheme. The scheme no longer focuses on a productivity deficit but on the need to adapt the role to a disabled person's ability. Expand the scheme beyond recruitment to include retention of people returning to work. This is particularly important as most disabilities are acquired. People who return to work on Partial Capacity Benefit and who have acquired their disability or health condition in the previous 12 months are now eligible. Expand the scheme to the community and voluntary sector and commercial state-sponsored sector. This will increase employment opportunities for disabled people by expanding the scheme beyond private sector employers to all non-public sector employers. Review the subsidy rate on a regular basis. This will ensure that the subsidy continues to sufficiently support employers. The subsidy rate will be reviewed at least every three years. Promote and improve knowledge of the scheme. The Minister has today launched a nationwide publicity campaign for the Wage Subsidy Scheme to promote and improve knowledge of the scheme. Minister Calleary added: "I strongly encourage employers to consider how the Wage Subsidy Scheme can improve their business and offer substantial and sustainable employment to disabled people." "I believe that the changes made to the Wage Subsidy Scheme will make it more accessible and flexible for both employers and disabled people. "People with disabilities have the talents and skills that employers need. "Improving employment prospects for disabled people is an absolute priority for me, the Taoiseach and this government." Advertisement There are around 1,500 employers who are already taking part in the Wage Subsidy Scheme across the country. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR WSS? You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the WSS and you cannot take part if you are eligible to apply for the State Pension. The scheme is not available to self-employed people, people on the Community Employment scheme, Tús, or the Rural Social Scheme, or those who are on the Work Placement Experience Programme. You can qualify for the WSS without a medical assessment if you are getting one of the following disability payments: Advertisement Disability Allowance Blind Pension Disablement Pension - at 20 per cent or more for life Illness Benefit Invalidity Pension If you are not getting a disability payment, you can still apply for the WSS. To apply, you need a recent specialist's report or doctor's letter confirming your disability. Your doctor must also fill out a confidential medical report form confirming that you have a disability which will reduce your ability to work. Minister for Advertisement "There is so much potential and talent that can be tapped into. "I hope these improvements to the scheme will encourage more employers to become involved and provide real opportunities for people with disabilities to showcase their talents and abilities.' 3 Taoiseach Micheal Martin and the Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary last week announced the expansion of the scheme Credit: