Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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402. To ask the Minister for Health where an applicant has a joint bank account with a niece or nephew, if the full balance or half the balance will be taken into account in the assessment of financial means under the nursing home support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42449/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, which commenced in 2009, provides financial support towards the cost of long-term residential care services in nursing homes. Under the 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 the cost of their care. In the case of a couple, the applicant's means are assessed as 50% of the couple's combined income and assets. The first €36,000 of an individual's assets, or €72,000 in the case of a couple, is disregarded from the financial assessment. The Scheme ensures that applicants retain at least 20% of their income. An applicant's principal private residence will only be included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care.

Where there is a joint bank account involved, the HSE, when conducting the financial assessment, will make a determination as to the required contribution by the applicant on the basis of an examination of the circumstances, and the information provided, in each case.