Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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457. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will advise on a payment for a person (details supplied). [22679/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 26 March 2021. An application form for State Pension (contributory) was received on 28 January 2021.

The person concerned was awarded State Pension (contributory) at the maximum weekly rate, currently €265.30, from 26 March 2021. The Increase for a qualified adult was awarded at the maximum rate of €237.80, from 18 January 2023.

The person concerned advised on their State Pension (contributory) application received on 28 January 2021 that they did not wish to apply for an increase for their spouse. An application for the increase was subsequently received on 3 February 2022.

An increase for qualified adult is a means-tested payment, payable to a claimant whose spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where that qualified adult’s personal means from any source does not exceed a means test income limit.

Where a qualified adult has weekly means of less than €100, the maximum rate of IQA is payable. Where their weekly means are over €100 and not more than €310, a tapering reduced rate of IQA is payable. If the qualified adult has means of more than €310 per week, this exceeds the means limit and there is no entitlement to an IQA payment. Where property or assets are held jointly, the qualified adult's means are assessed as half of the total amount. The family home is not included in the means assessment.

The case was referred to a social welfare inspector to establish entitlement. The claim was withdrawn by the person concerned.

Following your representation, my officials have referred the case to the social welfare inspector to establish entitlement to the increase for a qualified adult from 3 February 2022. On completion of this review, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome without delay.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.