Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:498. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46071/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 September 2021
Ceisteanna (498)
Freagraí scríofa
The person concerned, a State pension (contributory) recipient, applied for an Increase for qualified adult (IQA) in respect of his spouse, who is currently in receipt of the maximum rate of State pension (non-contributory) in her own right.
While State pension (contributory) is an insurance-based scheme, the 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. Where property or assets are held jointly, they are assessed as half of the total amount.
If 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.
The State pension (non-contributory) is also a means-tested payment to residents in the State, but the means of both members of the couple are taken into account in the means test. The State pension (non-contributory) claim has been referred to a Social Welfare Inspector for review. On receipt of the Social Welfare report, a decision will be made on both the State pension (non-contributory) and the IQA entitlements.
Both the person concerned and his spouse will be notified in writing of the decisions on their respective claims.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.