Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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197. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason and circumstances in which adult dependent allowance was ceased in the case of a person (details supplied); if the case could be urgently reviewed, with a view to provision of the appropriate document which deems to render themselves ineligible, who also has contributions in their own name; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38446/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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An increase for qualified adult (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 up to €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.

As part of my Department’s commitment to ensuring that claimants are receiving their full and correct entitlements, ongoing reviews of all means tested payments are carried out. In the case of an IQA on state pension (contributory), the primary claimant is contacted by my Department to notify them that their continuing entitlement to the means tested IQA payment is being examined. A questionnaire is required to be completed to include details of the means of their qualified adult.

A questionnaire form issued to the spouse of the person concerned on 11 July 2024. As there was no response, a reminder issued on 1 August 2024. As no response was received by the deadline the IQA was suspended. A letter issued on 26 August 2024 to the spouse of the person concerned.

I have arranged for another copy of the questionnaire to issue. On receipt of the completed form, entitlement to the IQA allowance will be reviewed. The spouse of the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.

It is noted that the qualified adult in this case has contributions in their own right. I have also arranged for an application form for state pension (contributory) to issue. On receipt of the completed application form, their entitlement will be examined.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.