An increase for qualified adult (IQA) is payable to recipients of certain benefits, allowances and pensions in respect of a qualified adult (their spouse, partner or civil partner) who is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where the qualified adult's personal means from any source(s) do not exceed a weekly means limit.
A condition of continuing eligibility for IQA is that the recipient or their qualified adult must immediately notify the Department of any changes in the qualified adult's circumstances that may affect the IQA entitlement. The obligation to notify such changes is provided for in social welfare legislation. The specific changes of circumstance which must be reported are listed in the IQA award letter and in a range of related information publications.
Under the Department's Control Strategy, scheme administrations are obliged to carry out annual and periodic reviews of IQA entitlement. Review projects for State pension (contributory) and Invalidity pension recipients are currently being undertaken. It is the Departments policy to pursue the full recovery of all overpayments identified in these control activities in accordance with its debt recovery guidelines, and to put in place a debt recovery plan by agreement with the person concerned at a rate of repayment which does not cause them undue financial hardship.