Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2018
259. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the assessment procedure that applies in respect of a qualified adult dependant whose partner is in receipt of a full rate of a State (contributory) pension; the particular assessment that applies to capital including land and or income that the dependent spouse may have; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10744/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEntitlement to an increase for a qualified adult (IQA) on a person’s state pension (contributory) is subject to a means test, which assesses weekly income from any source. The increase is only payable where the spouse/civil partner/co-habitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by the claimant. The increase is payable at the maximum rate where the qualified adult’s means are assessed at €100 per week or less. Where the weekly means assessed exceed €100, but do not exceed €310, a tapered, reducing IQA scale applies. No IQA is payable where the weekly means is in excess of €310.
The weekly income received by the qualified adult is assessable in full, such as income from employment, self-employment, and income from any other source, including rental income and private or occupational pensions.
Capital held by the qualified adult such as property, savings and investments is also assessed. The method of calculating the weekly income from capital is as follows:
|
Amount |
- |
|
First €20,000 |
Nil |
|
Next €10,000 |
€1 per €1,000 |
|
Next €10,000 |
€2 per €1,000 |
|
Excess of €40,000 |
€4 per €1,000 |
It should be noted that the amount of any mortgage or loan outstanding is allowed as a deduction in estimating the net value of the property. Where capital or assets are held jointly by a couple, half the value is taken into account for assessment purposes. Further details about the IQA means assessment are available on the Department’s website www.welfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
