HSE offers clarity over Fair Deal Scheme payments

The three-year cut-off payment point for the Fair Deal scheme kicks in automatically and applicants do not have to apply for the payments to cease.

The issue was raised by Cllr Michael Kilcoyne at last week's meeting of HSE Forum West and North West when he asked management: “When somebody has to apply for it and say they have a house and it is taken into account for three years in calculation of their payment and then is supposed to be reduced by the amount that is being paid, does that happen automatically, or have they to apply for it? Is there a procedure for this review because I got a complaint or two where people are nearing the end of their fourth year paying and the house is still being taken into account.” 

Regional Executive Officer Tony Canavan offered assurances that the cut-off point is applied automatically in the scheme and invited Cllr Kilcoyne to share the details in a question separately with management so that they could look into it.

Integrated Health Area Manager Ann Cosgrove outlined: “The scheme costs 7.5% of the house value for three years and it is automatic the cost is reduced after that. If we can get some specifics we may be able to check these matters out.” 

In a written reply, Integrated Health Area Officer for Mayo, Mary Warde, stated: “The average processing times for the Fair Deal scheme in Mayo currently stands at 58 days. The three-year cap is automatically applied to the property within the month it is due, with a letter issuing to the applicant and the relevant nursing home once the action has been completed.”