Monthly Archives: July 2018

Transport for Ireland (TFI) has launched a new ‘Baby on Board’ badge campaign.

If you are pregnant, the badge is an easy way to let people know you would appreciate a seat when using public transport.

See where you can get a free ‘Baby on Board’ badge.

For World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2018, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is focusing on the trafficking of children and young people. The campaign aims to highlight the fact that almost a third of trafficking victims are children.

Read more about human trafficking and the World Day against it.

For World Hepatitis Day 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) is highlighting the urgent need for  hepatitis testing and treatment

This year, WHO is focusing particularly on hepatitis B and C, which lead to 1.34 million deaths every year.

Visit who.int to find out more.

You can now renew your driving licence or learner permit online.

To apply, you must have a Public Services Card (PSC) and a MyGovID verified account.

You cannot apply online if:

• Your current driving licence or learner permit is valid for more than 3 months
• You have a truck or bus category on your licence
• You are aged 70 or over
• You are applying for your third or subsequent learner permit
• You need to get a medical report to renew your driving licence because of a medical condition

Apply to renew your driving licence online on ndls.rsa.ie.

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has introduced new claim forms and medical certificates for Illness and Injury Benefit.

Since 23 July 2018, a new claim form (IB1) and medical certificate (MED1) should be used in place of the MC1 and MC2.

You can read about the new application procedures for Illness Benefit and Injury Benefit.

Question

I’m in my 70s and live alone. Is it there any support available to help me with my household running costs?

Answer (June 2018)

The Household Benefits Package may help with the costs of running your household. The package is available to everyone aged over 70 and to some people under 70. It is paid by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP).

The package includes an electricity or gas allowance and a Free Television Licence. The electricity or gas allowance pays €35 per month (€1.15 per day) towards the cost of either your electricity or gas supply (you cannot get an allowance for both). It is paid to your bank or post office account or as a credit on your bill. You can get the Free Television Licence from the next renewal date of your licence after you qualify for the package.

Only one person in a household can qualify for the package. You must be living in the State all year round, and you will need to show that you are the registered gas or electricity consumer, for example, by providing a utility bill.

People aged between 66 and70 may also qualify if they are getting a qualifying payment, such as the State Pension. If they are not getting a qualifying payment, they must satisfy a means test. You qualify if you are getting Carer’s Allowance and providing full-time care to a person you are living with. You may also qualify if you are getting certain social welfare payments and living alone or living with certain people, for example, a qualified adult or child or with someone who would qualify for the allowance in their own right.

To apply, use form HB1 (pdf) from welfare.ie. The form is also available from your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office or from your nearest Citizens Information Service.

The Low Pay Commission has recommended increasing the minimum wage by 25 cent per hour, from €9.55 to €9.80.

Find out about your current employment rights and conditions.

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) is experiencing delays processing the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA). These delays are due to a combination of technical problems with payments and a high volume of new applications being received. You can call the DEASP on (071) 919 3318 to ask about your application for the allowance.

Read more on welfare.ie.

Farm Safety Week 2018 takes place this week 16 – 20 July 2018.

This year’s campaign aims to highlight good working practice on the farm. The theme is: Your Health. Your safety. Your choice.

Read more about Farm Safety Week 2018 on ifa.ie.

Irish Water has introduced night-time water restrictions in the Greater Dublin Area.

The current restrictions see water pressure being reduced overnight from 10pm to 5am. During these hours you may experience low water pressure, but you should not lose your water supply completely.

Read more on water.ie about the restrictions and the areas affected.