The means test is to be adjusted as from next January 1 so that the cost of living allowance will not mean a loss in benefits for people going over the income threshold, the Finance Minister said.

He said during the presentation of the budget that some people had been losing more in terms of benefits than they were gaining through the cost of living adjustments.

This applied particularly to pensioners.

The supplementary assistance is also being increased to a weekly maximum of €4.57 for single persons, and to €8.13 weekly for married couples.

This measure is expected to cost €800,000 annually.

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