Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

176. To ask the Minister for Health if he will indicate under what circumstances participants in the fair deal nursing home scheme may retain a portion of their income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16930/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme applicants contribute up to 80% of their assessable income and a maximum of 7.5% of the value of any assets per annum towards their cost of care. The first €36,000 of an individual’s assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is disregarded from the financial assessment. Applicants, therefore, retain at least 20% of their income. However, it should be noted that the Scheme also provides for a minimum retained income threshold. This ensures that applicants retain at least 20% of the maximum amount of the State Pension (Non-Contributory).

Applicants are free to spend this retained income as they wish, including using it to pay for items which are not covered by the Nursing Homes Support Scheme or other schemes, e.g. the Medical Card scheme.