Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2014
420. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health where the principal residence of a person on the nursing home support scheme is let before the three-year cap ends, if both the letting income and the value of the house will be included in the financial assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46206/14]
View answer421. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health where the principal residence of a person on the nursing home support scheme is let before the three-year cap expires, if it will be excluded from the financial assessment at the end of the first three years in care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46207/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 421 together.
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) provides financial support towards the cost of long-term residential care services in nursing homes. Under the Scheme, nursing home residents contribute towards the cost of their nursing home care based on their means, and the HSE pays the balance. In 2014 a total amount of €938m is available for the Scheme. As of the end of September 2014 (latest figures available) 21,961 people were being supported by the Scheme.
Participants in the Scheme contribute up to 80% of their assessable income (which includes any rental income) and a maximum of 7.5% per annum of the value of assets held. The first €36,000 of an individual's assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not counted at all in the financial assessment. The capital value of an individual's principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care.
In the circumstances outlined, the capital value of the principal private residence would be included for assessment purposes, but for a maximum of three years only, and any rental income received would also be assessed. This would apply whether letting commenced during the first three years or after that, and the three year limit that applies to the capital value of the property would not apply to rental income received.
