Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
458. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide clarity in relation to the way her Department recognises cohabiting couples (details supplied); her views on whether this is a serious inconsistency in the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37550/21]
View answerClaimants with cohabiting partners are recognised within the social welfare system as having additional needs in cases where their cohabiting partner is financially dependent upon them. The payment of an Increase for a Qualified Adult (IQA) in addition to the personal rate of payment reflects these additional household needs.
The IQA is payable in respect of a person who is wholly or mainly maintained by the customer, subject to a means test, regardless of whether the couple are married or not.
Where one member of a cohabiting couple claims a means-tested social assistance payment, their partner's income is taken into account in the means test.
The social welfare system has evolved over time and in response to a variety of factors, including Constitutional imperatives as interpreted by the Courts, changing social trends and EU Directives.
The income tax arrangements and associated legislation for married couples, civil partners and cohabiting couples are a matter for the Minister for Finance.
