Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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588. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal for further backdating of the maximum rate of qualified adult allowance payment for persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16275/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned was awarded state pension (contributory), together with an increase for qualified adult in respect of their spouse, with effect from 2 May 2008, the person's 66th birthday.  Increase for  qualified adult is a means-tested payment based on the means of the qualified adult.  At the time of application, the person declared that their spouse had income from farming amounting to €130.59 per week.  This resulted in an award of a commensurate rate of increase for qualified adult with effect from 2 May 2008.

On 22 May 2018, a request for a review of the rate of this increase was received.  Upon review, the qualified adult was assessed with nil means and a maximum rate increase for qualified adult was awarded from 25 May 2018, the Friday following the review request.  This increased rate was subsequently backdated for 6 months, in line with social welfare legislation, to 21 November 2017.  The claimant was notified of this decision on 30 August 2018.

An appeal on behalf of the person concerned was received on 16 November 2018, requesting further backdating for a period of eight years.  The requested details have now been submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.  On completion of the  appeal process, the person will be notified of the outcome in writing. 

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.