Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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220. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an increase for a qualified adult State pension (contributory) for a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30426/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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An increase for qualified adult (IQA) is a means-tested payment which may be payable with State pension (contributory). It may be awarded to a person whose spouse, or civil partner, or co-habitant is being wholly, or mainly, maintained by them. It may be paid where that qualified adult’s personal means, from any source, do not exceed a means test income limit - based on the means held solely or jointly by the qualified adult.

The person concerned applied for the Increase for qualified adult on 5 May 2020. An acknowledgement was issued on 19 May 2020 and the matter was referred to the Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) to determine the means (including from farming), of their spouse. Due to the Covid Pandemic the Social Welfare Inspector has been unable to make a visit. The SWI will contact the person concerned on 14 October 2020.

A decision will be made on the IQA payment once the SWI's report on the means assessment is complete. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.