Invalidity pension to benefit self employed
AN extension of invalidity pension to self-employed people will help create jobs in Wexford.
Speaking last week Minister with responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe, has said that the extension of the Invalidity Pension to the self-employed is a great support to small businesses owners and will help to create jobs in Wexford.
‘Invalidity Pension is a pension payment for people who cannot work because of a longterm illness or disability, so the extension of this payment is a real leap forward in terms of supporting the self-employed and business owners who will, for the first time ever, be able to apply for this safety net on the same basis as employees. The change will also apply to farmers, tradespeople, freelancers, contractors and professionals, so lots of people are set to benefit here in Wexford once the scheme is extended on December 1.
‘This is part of our policy of making work pay and encouraging self-employment and entrepreneurship. Improving the safety net for the self-employed and improving the benefits they receive under the PRSI scheme means they are on more of a stable footing to create more jobs.
‘It’s important for self-employed people to know that the Invalidity Pension will be based solely on their PRSI contributions. It is not means assessed and any savings or assets they have will not affect it. Similarly, if their partner is working, that income will not affect the payment of the Invalidity Pension.’