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Nursing Homes Support Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 May 2018

Wednesday, 9 May 2018

Ceisteanna (179)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

179. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a person is allowed a deduction from their income for rental payments they are making or certain loan repayments in the context of the financial assessment under the nursing home support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20308/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.

Participants in the Scheme contribute up to 80% of their assessable income and a maximum of 7.5% per annum of the value of assets held. In the case of a couple, the applicant’s means are assessed as 50% of the couple’s combined income and assets. The first €36,000 of an individual’s assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is not counted at all in the financial assessment. The capital value of an individual’s principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care. This is known as the three year cap.

Under the primary legislation an NHSS applicant may apply for certain items of expenditure to be taken into account and netted off against their means prior to the calculation of their contribution. These items are referred to as allowable deductions. An applicant can apply for the following to be deducted:

- Interest on loans for the purchase, repair or improvement of the applicant’s principal primary residence; and

- Rent paid on the principal residence of the applicant only so long as the person’s partner, or a child under the age of 21 years of the person or the person’s partner resides in the principal residence.

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