Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned has been awarded a State Pension (contributory) at the maximum weekly rate of €277.30 from 27 January 2024, the date they reached 66. The first payment will issue to the persons nominated financial institution on 2 February 2024.

The person concerned also applied for the Increase for a Qualified Adult allowance (IQA) on their 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.

The application for IQA was referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) for further clarification. On receipt of the completed report from the SWI, the application will be processed without delay and the person concerned will be notified of the decision.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.