Fair Deal Scheme and Foreign Property

[mcdonald2010]

Hi all,

Currently trying to get some more information on the following situation:

1. Relative has dementia and needs full time nursing home care.

2. Cash Savings below the threshold, ie. 25,000.

3. They have no assets within the state but own property in France to the value of approx 600,000 euros. producing an income of 20,000 per annum.

My understanding is that no charge can be obtained on a property outside the state.

My question is will this overseas property need to be sold to pay for the fees?

 

[mf1]

"My understanding is that no charge can be obtained on a property outside the state."

Is there any reason why not? It may make things marginally more complex but if the relative has assets there then presumably they have a lawyer there and presumably a charge can be arranged? Or the person could be made a Ward of Court? To sell the property.

Talk to the Fair Deal people and perhaps talk to the relatives own solicitor - if at all possible.


mf

 

[Threadser]

I would expect that the income from the property will be taken into account in assesing your relatives means and that he/she will be required to pay 80% of this and any other income they have, towards the cost of her care. If the property was in the state they would also be required to pay 5% of the value of the property towards the cost up to a maximum of 15%. Not sure if this can apply when the property is out of the country. Your local community welfare officer should be able to help you.

 

[twofor1]

Hi all,
My question is will this overseas property need to be sold to pay for the fees?

I think as the property is outside the state it will be considered an asset, and as such, your relative would be expected to contribute 5% of its value annually towards her care. Along with 80% of the foreign income, and 80% of presumably an Irish OAP pension, the first €36K of either assets or savings would be disregarded.

If this is the case, in round figures, I think they would assess your relations contribution as over €1K weekly, indefinitely, the state would pay the balance, if any.

If your relation is a member of a couple the assessment will be based on half their combined income and assets, her contribution would be substantially reduced.

My local Nursing homes support office were very helpful on the phone with numerous queries on several occasions.

You will find everything here;

http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Older_People_Services/nhss/nhss.html#fin

Examples of how it works here;

http://www.dohc.ie/issues/fair_deal/fair_deal_examples.pdf