Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
358. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are any plans to allow for an increased contributory pension qualified adult allowance payment for persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44882/23]
View answerMy Department provides income supports through contributory payments (which are based on a person's social insurance record) and means-tested social assistance payments.
A State pension (contributory) recipient can claim an increase on their pension in respect of a qualified adult where the eligibility conditions for this means-tested payment are satisfied.
An Increase for qualified adult (IQA) is payable at the maximum rate of payment where the means of the qualified adult are not more than €100 per week. Reduced rates are payable where means are over €100 and not more than €310 per week. No increase is payable where means are in excess of €310 per week.
A review of the rate payable can be undertaken where a reduced rate IQA is in payment, and the individual’s circumstances have changed. Although no additional allowances are paid to the qualified adult when their spouse or civil partner has moved to residential care, the payment of eligible allowances, such as fuel allowance will continue in payment.
It is open to the qualified adult to apply for a State Pension (contributory) in their own right. The rate awarded is based on their insurable record. Under current eligibility conditions, an individual must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equates to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment.
Both the Homemaker’s Scheme and Home Caring Periods can be used to improve a person’s rate of pension entitlement. However, a person must firstly satisfy the qualifying conditions for State pension (contributory) to avail of either of these schemes. In September 2022, I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system. The measures are in response to the Pensions Commission’s recommendations and represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system.One of the most important reforms agreed by Government is enhanced State Pension provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years. It will do this by attributing the equivalent of paid contributions to long-term carers to cover gaps in their contribution record.
The Long-Term Carer's Contributions (LTCC) will be available to those who provided full time care for 20 years (1040 weeks) or more to an incapacitated dependent. The periods of care-giving do not need to be consecutive. I expect to bring the legislation required to introduce the LTCC before the Oireachtas soon, with the scheme being fully implemented from January 2024. My Department launched an online system for people to register for LTCC. This will facilitate the expeditious processing of LTCC upon enactment of the legislation.
It is also open to the qualified adult to have their entitlement for State pension (non-contributory) examined, the maximum rate of which equates to 95% of the maximum rate of state pension (contributory).
If the Deputy has a specific case in mind, please send the details to my Department and my officials will look into it.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
