Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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241. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is on a reduced rate of pension (non-contributory); the reason this was reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54282/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned is in receipt of an Increase for a Qualified Adult (IQA) on their spouse's State Pension (contributory).

This 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.

Following a review of the IQA on 19 January 2023, it was decided that the allowance would reduce from €106.20 to €78.00 per week. This decision was appealed to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). The decision was upheld by the Appeals office. The person concerned was notified of the Appeal decision on 19 October 2023. The SWAO decision is final in this matter and can only be reviewed in light of new evidence or facts not previously considered.

A letter received in my Department from a representative of the person concerned requesting a review of the Appeals Officer's decision was forwarded to the Appeals Office on 30 November 2023 for their attention.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.