Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
351. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine a situation in relation to difficulties with the pension of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36042/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA recipient of a State pension (contributory) pension can claim an increase in their pension in respect of a qualified adult. A qualified adult is the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the pensioner who is being wholly or mainly maintained by that pensioner.
An increase is payable at the maximum rate of payment where the means of the spouse or partner are not more than €100 per week. Reduced rates are payable where the means are over €100 and not more than €310 per week. No increase is payable where the means of the spouse/partner are in excess of €310 per week.The means assessed are those of the spouse or partner only, and include income from employment, self-employment, non-social welfare pensions and the capital value of property other than the family home, as well as savings. Where property or assets are held jointly, the spouse or partner's means is taken to be half of the total amount.When calculating the weekly means, the assessment formula used for capital is: the first €20,000 of capital is fully disregarded; the next €10,000 is assessed at €1 per thousand; the next €10,000 is assessed at €2 per thousand; with the remainder assessed at €4 per thousand. Where there are no other means, a spouse or partner can have capital of up to €57,999.99 without affecting entitlement to an increase for a qualified adult, payable at the maximum weekly rate. Tapered reduced rates of a qualified adult increase can be payable where the spouse or partner has capital of up to €110,999.99. It should be noted that the value of the family home, regardless of who is the legal owner, is never taken into account in this assessment.
Accordingly, the assessment of means has been based on occupational pensions and capital. This resulted in a means assessment of €438.76 per week in 2019, the most recent assessment, exceeding the weekly means limit of €310.
If their circumstances change, the SPC recipient in this case can reapply for an increase for their spouse.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
