Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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392. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is receiving the maximum rate qualified adult allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44785/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Increase for qualified adult is a means-tested payment, based on the means of the person’s dependent spouse or partner. In addition to the age and means of the qualified adult claimed for, the rate payable is also directly linked to the weekly rate of State pension (contributory) entitlement of the claimant.

The person concerned is in receipt of reduced rate of State pension (contributory), as they have a yearly average of 19. As the rate of increase for qualified adult payable is commensurate with this weekly rate of pension entitlement, the person is receiving the correct rate of increase for their qualified adult. The person concerned is also in receipt of an over aged 80 weekly increase as part of their pension payment.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.