Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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472. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) can be placed as a dependent on the pension payment of their spouse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48404/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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A State pension (contributory) recipient can claim an increase on their pension in respect of a qualified adult where the eligibility conditions for this means-tested payment are satisfied. A qualified adult is the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant of the pensioner who is being wholly or mainly maintained by that pensioner.

An Increase for qualified adult (IQA) is payable at the maximum rate of payment where the means of the qualified adult are not more than €100 per week. Reduced rates are payable where means are over €100 and not more than €310 per week. No increase is payable where means are in excess of €310 per week.

The means assessed are those of the qualified adult only, and include income from employment, self-employment, non-social welfare pensions and the capital value of property other than the family home, as well as savings. Where property or assets are held jointly, the qualified adult's means is taken to be half of the total value.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has yet not applied for this increase. I have arranged for the necessary application form to be sent to them.

On receipt of the application, a decision can be made on the IQA entitlement and the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.