Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
737. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied that all calculations for the purpose of determining an entitlement to an increase for a qualified adult for the State pension (contributory) have been determined correctly in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13901/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned is currently in receipt of an increase for a qualified adult (IQA) in respect of their spouse.
The IQA is a means-tested payment, payable to a person 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 an income limit.
Where a qualified adult has weekly means of less than €100, the maximum rate of IQA is payable. Where their weekly means are over €100 and not more than €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.
As part of my Department’s commitment to ensuring that claimants are receiving their full and correct entitlements, ongoing reviews of all means tested payments are carried out. A review of the IQA was undertaken on 14 September 2022. It was determined that the weekly means assessable were €206.00 resulting in a reduction in the rate payable to €134.40 per week from 10 February 2023.
The decision was appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. On 3 January 2024, the decision to reduce the allowance was upheld.
It is open to the person concerned to request a review of their entitlement should circumstances change in the future. It is also open to the spouse of the person concerned to apply for the State Pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested, residency-based payment for people of pension age. The maximum personal weekly rate is €266.00 which is approximately 96% of the maximum rate of contributory pension. I have arranged for an application form to issue.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
