Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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135. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the assets and income an adult dependant must have before being disqualified from receiving the adult dependant allowance where a spouse is entitled to the state pension (contributory); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12435/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Entitlement to increase for qualified adult (IQA) on a person’s state pension (contributory) is subject to a means test, which assesses weekly income from any source. The increase is only payable where the spouse/civil partner/co-habitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by the claimant.

Currently IQA at the maximum rate is payable where the qualified adult’s weekly means are assessed at €100 or less. Where the weekly means assessed exceed €100, but do not exceed €310, a tapered, reducing IQA scale applies. No IQA is payable where the weekly means is in excess of €310.

The weekly income received by the qualified adult is assessable in full, such as income from employment, rental of property, private or occupational pension. Capital income held by the qualified adult such as property, savings and investments is also assessed. Where capital or assets are held jointly by a couple, half the value is taken into account for assessment purposes. Further details about the IQA means assessment are available on the Department’s websitewww.welfare.ie.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.