Which payments are means-tested?
Not all social welfare payments are means-tested. Only social assistance payments require a means test. Social insurance payments (based on PRSI) do not.
| Type | Means-tested? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Social assistance | Yes | Jobseeker's Allowance, State Pension (Non-Contributory), Disability Allowance |
| Social insurance | No | Jobseeker's Benefit, State Pension (Contributory), Maternity Benefit |
Source: Citizens Information — Means test ↗
What is assessed in the means test?
The Department of Social Protection looks at four main categories of means:
| Category | What is included |
|---|---|
| Cash income | Wages, self-employment income, rental income, maintenance payments (for adults) |
| Capital | Savings, investments, property you own other than your home |
| Spouse/partner income | A portion of your partner's income if they are working |
| Property | Land or property other than your home and garden |
Source: Citizens Information — Means test categories ↗
What is not counted?
Some income and resources are disregarded entirely in the means test. Common examples include:
| Not counted in means test |
|---|
| Child Benefit |
| Most other social welfare payments you or your partner receive |
| Maintenance payments for children |
| Student grants |
| Your home and its garden |
| The first €20,000 of savings (for some payments) |
Source: Citizens Information — Income not included in means test ↗
The means test rules differ slightly between payments. The disregards and thresholds for Jobseeker's Allowance are not the same as for Disability Allowance, for example. Always check the specific rules for the payment you are applying for.
How savings are assessed
Savings and investments are assessed using a formula, not a simple cut-off. The capital value of your savings is converted into a notional weekly income using a tiered scale.
| Capital value | Weekly means assessed |
|---|---|
| First €20,000 | Nil |
| €20,001 – €30,000 | €1 per €1,000 |
| €30,001 – €40,000 | €2 per €1,000 |
| Over €40,000 | €4 per €1,000 |
Source: Citizens Information — Capital assessment ↗
Common confusion
Not true. The first €20,000 of savings is completely disregarded. Only savings above that threshold are assessed, and even then they are converted into a small notional weekly income — not taken as a lump sum. Many people with moderate savings still qualify for a full or reduced payment.
No. The means test rules vary between payments. Jobseeker's Allowance, Disability Allowance, and the Non-Contributory State Pension all use slightly different assessment rules and disregards. Check the specific payment page on Citizens Information for the exact rules.
Not necessarily. Only a portion of your partner's income is assessed, and some of it is disregarded. A partner on a moderate income will reduce your payment but may not eliminate it. The specific disregard depends on the payment you are applying for.