€267/week for low-income farmers and fishers — no time limit
Rural Social Scheme Ireland 2026
The Rural Social Scheme provides income support for farmers and fishers on low incomes who are receiving a qualifying DSP payment. 19.5 hours/week community work, €267/week, no maximum duration.
Rural Social Scheme 2026 — At a glance
- Weekly payment
- ~€267/week (JA rate + €25)
- Hours per week
- 19.5 hours community work
- Time limit
- None — can remain indefinitely
- Who qualifies
- Farmers and fishers on Farm Assist, JA, JB, OPFP, DA or Blind Pension
Rural Social Scheme vs Farm Assist
| Rural Social Scheme | Farm Assist | |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly rate | ~€267 (JA + €25) | Up to €244 (means tested) |
| Work requirement | 19.5 hrs/week community work | None |
| Time limit | None | None |
| Means test | Must qualify for a DSP payment | Yes — income-based |
| Who it is for | Farmers/fishers on qualifying DSP payment | Low-income farmers only |
Eligibility
- You are a farmer (registered owner/leaseholder of land) or a licensed sea fisher
- You receive Farm Assist, Jobseeker\'s Allowance/Benefit, One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance or Blind Pension
- You are available to work 19.5 hours per week with a local community organisation
- There is an available RSS place in your area
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rural Social Scheme?
A work programme for farmers and fishers on low incomes and qualifying DSP payments. 19.5 hours/week community work, ~€267/week, no time limit.
How much does it pay?
Approximately €267/week — €25 above the standard Jobseeker's Allowance personal rate.
Who qualifies?
Farmers and fishers who receive Farm Assist, Jobseeker's Allowance, One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance or Blind Pension.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes — ~2,650 places nationally. Contact your local development company or Intreo Centre to join a waiting list.
Is there a time limit?
No. RSS has no maximum duration, unlike Tús (12 months) or CE (3 years).
- RSS is not only for farmers — licensed sea fishers who receive a qualifying DSP payment also qualify, provided they own or lease a fishing boat.
- Joining RSS replaces your DSP payment — you do not receive your Farm Assist or JA on top of RSS. The RSS payment (~€267) replaces it at a slightly higher rate.
- There is a waiting list — RSS has approximately 2,650 places nationally. Contact your local development company or Intreo Centre to be added to a list.
- You continue farming while on RSS — the 19.5 hours of community work are done alongside your farming or fishing activity, not instead of it.
- RSS has no time limit — unlike Tus (12 months) or CE (3 years), you can remain on RSS indefinitely as long as you continue to meet eligibility criteria.
Official sources
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Rural Social Scheme rates and eligibility rules.
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.