Vol. 568 No. 6
321 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the current means test requirements in respect of recipients of non-contributory old age pension or widows' non-contributory pension in respect of recipients aged 80 or over; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17125/03]
The old age pension and widow/er's pension, are social assistance schemes which provide financial support for older people and widows-widowers who do not qualify for contributory schemes. In common with other social assistance schemes, these schemes feature a means test which is intended to ensure that available resources are targeted at those who are most in need.
The following items are counted as means in the assessment for old age pension and widow/er's pension: cash income, including occupational pensions or pensions from a foreign country; income from employment or self-employment; the yearly value of any property owned; and the yearly value of any savings and investments.
The main items which do not count as means include the family home; the yearly value of the first €12,697,38 of capital for a single person and €25,394.76 for a married-cohabiting couple; any payment made by Department of Social and Family Affairs; foster child allowance; and income from a charitable organisation.
In the case of old age pension, the total means of a couple are halved in order to determine the means of one of that couple. The means testing arrangements for both of the relevant schemes are the same regardless of whether a person is under or over 80 years of age. However, a weekly allowance of €6.40 is automatically awarded to all recipients of social assistance schemes at the age of 80. Other allowances such as the living alone allowance, fuel allowance and household benefits package may also be available.
