Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2024
247. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of a review in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43840/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned was a qualified adult on their spouse's State Pension (contributory) since 28 December 2009.
An increase for qualified adult (IQA) allowance is a means-tested payment, payable to a claimant 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 a qualified adult has weekly means of up to €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. Where property or assets are held jointly, the qualified adult's means are assessed as half of the total amount. The family home is not included in the means assessment.
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. In the case of an IQA allowance on State Pension (contributory), the primary claimant is contacted by my Department to notify them that their continuing entitlement to the means tested IQA payment is being examined. A questionnaire is required to be completed to include details of the means of their qualified adult.
In this case, a questionnaire issued to the spouse of the person concerned on 11 July 2024. A reminder issued on 1 August 2024. As a response was not received, a further letter issued on 26 August 2024 advising that the allowance was being suspended.
Following your representations, a further copy of the questionnaire issued along with an application for state pension (contributory) on 23 September 2024. To date, no response has been received. The allowance will remain suspended until a response is received. If no response is received the allowance will be stopped.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
