Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
572. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a payment for a person (details supplied); if there is an update on a review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32850/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn increase for qualified adult (IQA) 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 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. 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 increase for qualified adult (IQA) on SPC, 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.
A questionnaire issued to the person concerned on 15 August 2025. The completed questionnaire was returned on 26 August 2025. A request issued on 24 March 2026 requesting further information. While most of the information was provided, some remains outstanding. A reminder issued on 28 April 2026. Once this information is received, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified. In the meantime, the qualified adult increase remains in payment at the rate previously awarded.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
