Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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438. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the income limits set out in the Social Welfare Act 2021 will be increased in line with the cost-of-living increases in recent months (details supplied). [57506/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department provides income supports through contributory payments (which are based on a person's social insurance record) and means-tested social assistance payments. Social welfare legislation provides that the means test takes account of the income and assets of the person (and spouse or partner, if applicable) applying for the relevant scheme.

Invalidity Pension is a contributory payment and, as such, is not means tested. A recipient of the Invalidity Pension can claim an increase to their payment in respect of a qualified adult (IQA). A qualified adult is the spouse / partner of the recipient who is being wholly or mainly maintained by the recipient.

An increase for a qualified adult may be payable at the maximum rate of payment where the means of the spouse/partner are €100 a week or less, while reduced rates are payable where the means are over €100 and less than €310 per week. No increase is payable where the means of the spouse/partner are in excess of €310 per week.

The means test plays a critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – such as disability, unemployment or caring. This ensures that the recipient has a verifiable income need and that resources are targeted to those who need them most.

My Department will continue to monitor and review scheme policies for all social welfare payments on an ongoing basis.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.