Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2015
25. Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford is not entitled to the over 80 allowance as the person is a qualified adult on a spouse's State pension (contributory); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35483/15]
View answerThe state pension contributory claimant is in receipt of an Increase for Qualified Adult (IQA) in respect of the person concerned. An over 80 increase is only payable on a primary state pension payment.
It is open to the person concerned to make an application for state pension contributory in their own right where they have been in insurable employment during their working life or, state pension non-contributory, which is a means tested scheme. If the person concerned qualifies for either such pension in their own right, an over 80 increase would be payable.
It may however be more beneficial for the household that the state pension contributory claimant continues to receive an Increase in Qualified Adult (IQA) in respect of their spouse as currently in payment.
