Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 November 2020
138. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Social Protection if an extension will be granted to a person (details supplied) for the submission of documentation relating to a means test for the increase for qualified adult, IQA, part of the person's pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39039/20]
View answerAn Increase for qualified adult (IQA) is a means-tested payment, payable to a State pension (contributory) claimant whose spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where that qualified adult’s personal means from any source does not exceed a means test income limit.
As part of my Department’s commitment to ensuring that claimants are receiving their full and correct entitlements, ongoing reviews of this means-tested payment are carried out. The IQA claim of the person concerned is among those being reviewed this year.
Where a qualified adult has weekly means of less than €100, the maximum rate of IQA is payable. Where their weekly means are between €100 and €310, a reduced rate of IQA is payable. If the qualified adult has means of more than €310 per week, this exceeds the means limit and no IQA payment is due. Only the means of the qualified adult are taken into account. In the case of joint bank accounts, or joint ownership of land or property (apart from the family home), half the value or amount is assessed as means for the qualified adult.
My Department wrote to the person concerned, the primary State pension (contributory) claimant, on 9 November 2020 to notify them that their continuing entitlement to the means-tested IQA payment is being examined and to request details of their spouse’s means.
I wish to assure the Deputy that it is never my Department's intention to cause any unnecessary anxiety for pensioners, or their adult dependants. In that context, I am happy to confirm that the timeframe for returning the completed form has been extended by an additional 30 days. The person concerned does not have to submit any supplementary documentation. All that is required at this time is to complete and return the questionnaire.
It is open to customers or their representatives at any time to discuss difficulties with the provision or return of requested information with my officials, who can and do provide flexibility in this regard.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
