Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
400. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if the circumstances in relation to a non-contributory pension application by a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32919/21]
View answerA recipient of a State Pension payment can claim an increase in their pension in respect of a Qualified Adult. A Qualified Adult is the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the pensioner who is being wholly or mainly maintained by that pensioner.
For the State Pension (non-contributory), both members of a couple are subject to a means test to determine whether any pension, including an increase for a qualified adult, is payable.
For the State Pension (Contributory) (SPC), only the spouse or partner of the claimant is subject to a means test, as in the case of the claimant to which the question refers. An increase is payable at the maximum rate of payment where the means of the spouse or partner are €100 a week or less. Reduced rates are payable where the means are over €100, up to €310 per week. No increase is payable where the means of the spouse/partner are in excess of €310 per week.
The means assessed are those of the spouse or partner only, and include:
- Income from employment and self-employment;
- Income from non-social welfare pensions; and
- The capital value of property other than the family home, as well as savings.
Where property or assets are held jointly, the spouse or partner's means is taken to be half of the total amount.
When calculating the weekly means, the assessment formula used for capital is: the first €20,000 of capital is fully disregarded; the next €10,000 assessed at €1 per thousand, the next €10,000 is assessed at €2 per thousand, with the remainder assessed at €4 per thousand.
Where there are no other means, a spouse or partner can have capital of up to €57,999.99 without affecting entitlement to an increase for a Qualified Adult, payable at the maximum weekly rate. Tapered reduced rates of Qualified Adult increase can continue to be payable where the spouse or partner has capital of up to €110,999.99.
It should be noted that the value of the family home, regardless of who is the legal owner, is never taken into account in this assessment.
If circumstances change, another application can be made by this SPC recipient, for an increase for their spouse.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
