Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:997. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection to advise on allowance entitlements in a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35367/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMonday, 9 September 2024
Ceisteanna (997)
Freagraí scríofa
The Department operates a range of means-tested social assistance payments. The means test takes account of the income and assets of the person (and spouse / partner, if applicable) applying for the relevant scheme. Income and assets include income from employment, self-employment, occupational pensions, maintenance payments as well as property owned (other than the family home) and capital such as savings, shares, and other investments.
If a social welfare recipient sells their home, the proceeds of the sale are normally taken into account as means. However, social welfare legislation provides for a specific disregard for recipients of the State Pension (Non-Contributory), Disability Allowance or Blind Pension when they sell their home in certain situations.
For these schemes, where these circumstances apply, the means test takes into account up to €190,500 of the gross proceeds of the sale.
The disregard of €190,500 applies to specific purposes where a person disposes of their principal residence for the purpose of either:
Purchasing alternative accommodation which is or will be occupied as their only main residence;
Funding the renting of alternative accommodation which is or will be be occupied as their only main residence;
Funding the payment of fees to a nursing home in accordance with section 4 of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 (no. 23 of 1990);
Residing with a carers as defined in section 99 or section 179, who is in receipt of carer's benefit or carer's allowance in respect of the care and attention provided to the claimant or beneficiary, or
Residing in accommodation suitable for elderly persons which incorporates communal and support facilities and which is provided by a body approved by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for the purposes of section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 (No 18 of 1992).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.