Vol. 497 No. 2
317 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if mortgage payments are allowable in the determination of means in respect of applicants for non-contributory old age pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24833/98]
Mortgage payments are not taken into account in determining means for non-contributory old age pension purposes. Specific assistance towards mortgage payments is provided under the social welfare system through mortgage interest supplements which are payable under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.
The purpose of the mortgage interest supplement scheme is to assist eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The scheme provides assistance towards the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only. Under the scheme, a weekly or monthly supplement may be paid in respect of mortgage interest payments to any person in the State, including those receiving non-contributory old age pension, whose means are insufficient to meet their needs. Entitlement to a mortgage interest supplement is determined by the health boards and supplements are normally calculated to ensure that the person has an income equal to the rate of SWA appropriate to the family circumstances, less £6. This £6 represents the minimum contribution which applicants are required to pay from their own resources. The actual rate of supplement payable depends on the interest rate charged.
