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Social Welfare Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2021

Wednesday, 16 June 2021

Ceisteanna (162)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

162. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is entitled to the dependent adult allowance based on their contributory pension and the split of savings. [32167/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Increase for qualified adult (IQA) is a means-tested payment, payable to State pension (contributory) claimants whose spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where that qualified adult’s personal means from any source does not exceed a means test income limit. 50% of jointly-held means or assets is assessable.

Where a qualified adult has weekly means of less than €100, the maximum rate of IQA is payable. Where their weekly means are between €100 and €310, a tapering reduced rate of IQA is payable. If the qualified adult has means of more than €310 per week, this exceeds the means limit and there is no entitlement to an IQA payment.

An IQA review commenced on 12 May 2021 whereby a means questionnaire and explanatory letter was issued to the spouse of the person concerned, being the State pension (contributory) customer. As qualified adult on their spouse’s pension, the person concerned was assessed with weekly means from capital in excess of €310.00. As this exceeds the current statutory limit for the IQA payment, the IQA has ceased with effect from 10 June 2021, and the customer has been notified accordingly.

The person’s entitlement to a State pension (contributory) in their own right can be determined on receipt of a completed application form. An application form has been issued and I have also arranged for a copy of their social insurance record to issue to them.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

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