Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
608. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) would be financially better off on the State pension (non-contributory) and living alone allowance rather than their current adult dependent allowance given their spouse is in long-term care with no prospect of them returning home. [45015/26]
View answerThe person’s spouse is in receipt of State pension contributory, including an increase for qualified adult allowance in respect of the person concerned since 24 December 2004, at the current weekly rate of €268.40.
A state pension non-contributory application was received from the person concerned on 3 March 2026. It was decided that the person concerned was entitled to the state pension non-contributory pension at the weekly rate of €188.00. A decision letter issued on 13 May 2026, advising that it was financially more beneficial for them to remain as a qualified adult on their spouse’s state pension. On that basis their state pension non-contributory application was withdrawn.
As the increase for living alone is paid at the weekly rate of €22.00 per week, it is still financially more beneficial for the person concerned to remain as a qualified adult on their spouse’s payment rather than claim this allowance with the state pension non-contributory.
Application forms for the household benefits package and for the national fuel scheme have issued to the person concerned. Entitlement to these schemes will be assessed on receipt of completed applications.
If there is a change in the person’s circumstances, they may reapply for the state pension non-contributory at that stage.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
