OAP Pension for spouse

[Robert72]

My father (retired farmer) is in receipt of the OAP but my mother is not (never paid PRSI). They are in receipt of rental income so if means testing is involved they may not qualify, have the rules changed recently to allow my mother to get a pension? Thank you

 

[TomEdison]

No. I don't think the rules have changed to allow your mother to claim her own pension.

Your father presumably gets an adult dependent allowance in respect of your mother, which is not much less than the pension your mother would get, if she qualified. He would not get this if your mother qualified for her own pension. So the difference in household income between your mother qualifying and your mother not qualifying is not very great.

 

[ClubMan]

Your father presumably gets an adult dependent allowance in respect of your mother, which is not much less than the pension your mother would get, if she qualified.

Just for reference purposes:

Claiming for an adult dependant

You can get an increase in your social welfare payment for your adult dependant. This document explains who qualifies as an adult dependant.

www.citizensinformation.ie

 

[Gervan]

an adult dependent allowance in respect of your mother, which is not much less than the pension your mother would get, if she qualified

Something that could make a small difference is your father's other income. This adult dependant allowance would be taxed as father's income, and if he is using up his tax credits on other income the benefit they receive would be reduced.
If your mother was receiving a pension she would have personal tax credits to use againt the income.