Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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467. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason an application for an increase for a qualified adult has been refused in the case of a person (details supplied); if the case can be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36907/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned applied for an increase for a qualified adult (IQA) with their application for state pension (contributory) on 5 April 2024.

The IQA 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.

A letter issued to the person concerned on 17 April 2024 requesting further information in order to establish entitlement to IQA. As the information was not received, a reminder issued to the person concerned on 20 May 2024.

As the required information was not received, entitlement to IQA could not be established. A letter issued to the person concerned on 12 August 2024 informing them that their application was disallowed.

If the person concerned furnishes the requested information, their entitlement to IQA will be examined and they will be notified of the outcome without delay.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.