RURAL Social Scheme
The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is aimed to supplement the income of farmers and fishermen and fisherwomen. To qualify for RSS you must be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment. Participation on RSS provides a valuable service to local communities.
The Department of Social Protection (DSP) has overall responsibility for the Rural Social Scheme, including eligibility criteria. The Department monitors the implementation of RSS and supports Carlow County Development Partnership that manage RSS locally.
What type of work is carried out by people on RSS ?
The type of work carried out by people on RSS includes:
- Maintaining and enhancing various walking routes, such as waymarked ways, agreed walks and bog roads
- Energy conservation work for older people and people at risk of poverty
- Village and countryside enhancement projects
- Social care and care of older people
- Community care for pre-school and after-school groups
- Environmental maintenance work – maintenance and caretaking of community and sporting facilities
- Projects relating to not-for-profit cultural and heritage centres
- Community administration or clerical work
- Other community-based projects
Whats involved?
How many hours’ work is involved?
You work 19.5 hours per week. These hours are based on a farmer and fisher-friendly schedule. This is to ensure participation does not affect your farming/fishing activities. If you get a place on RSS, you are offered a contract from your start date up to the following 31 March. You may be considered for a further term following the initial contract, if you continue to meet all the criteria for RSS.
The local management decides on your application. On 29 June 2022, the 6-year time limit for participants on RSS was removed.
If you are eligible for RSS but don’t wish to participate, your dependent spouse, son, daughter civil partner or cohabitant may take the available place.
