Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

701. To ask the Minister for Health if a reassessment of a fair deal scheme application is possible where a property valuation was undertaken without entry to the property due to Covid restrictions, and is later found to be incorrect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25873/23]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as 'Fair Deal', is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. The primary legislation underpinning the NHSS is the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. Participants in the NHSS contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone, and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.

Participants within the NHSS contribute up to 80% of their income (40% if part of a couple) and 7.5% per annum of the value of their assets (3.75% if part of a couple). The first €36,000 (€72,000 if part of a couple) is excluded from assessment. The value of a person's principal residence is only assessed for contributions for their first three years on the scheme.

Assets assessed include cash assets as well as non-cash assets such as the principal private residence, other property and land, including farmland.

For the purposes of financial assessment, income includes:

• Earnings, including income from farming or business activities

• Pension income

• Social welfare benefits/allowances

• Rental income

• Income from holding an office or directorship

• Income from fees, commissions, dividends or interest

• Any income which you have deprived yourself of in the five years prior to application

Transferred assets are considered to be assessable under the scheme. Under the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act, which underpins the scheme, a transferred asset is defined as an asset that has been transferred at any time in the period of 5 years prior to the date on which an application for State support is first made by or on behalf of that person.

The applicant’s contribution to the cost of their care is calculated based on the financial assessment of their assets on the date they apply to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

An applicant or their representative can request another financial review 12 months after the first assessment or 12 months after the most recent review. The HSE may review a financial assessment at any stage.

An applicant may also appeal a decision made on an application under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme – ‘Fair Deal scheme’, they have no later than 40 working days after notice of the decision was given. This is a statutory requirement under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 (as amended). Appeals can be made against decisions of the Executive (HSE) through the National Appeals Process. Details for the Appeals services and the process can be found on the HSE's website by following this link: www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/appeals-service

In the situation described by the deputy, it is advisable that the person contacts their local Nursing Home Support Office. A list of local NHSO contacts is available at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/fair-deal-scheme/contact/