For the maximum grant, one's income must not exceed the old-age pension by more than 20 per cent
Nursing home subventions are awarded when a person is considered by a health board to be in need of nursing home care but is unable to meet the costs of their chosen nursing home.
There are currently three maximum subvention rates - €190, €152 and €115 - based on the level of physical or mental dependency that is observed by the health board.
The subvention awarded depends on the amount of nursing care required, as well as on family circumstances. A means test applies in all cases.
To qualify for the maximum grant, a person's income must not exceed the non-contributory old-age pension by more than 20 per cent. In special circumstances, the maximum grant can be increased.
The means test that is applied takes account of the income of the person requiring nursing home care as well as the income of his or her spouse or partner. Grounds for refusal include: owning assets of more than €25,395, having an annual income of more than €6,349 or owning a home worth more than €95,230.
If, however, a spouse, dependant or relative who receives certain social welfare payments is living in the home, its value will not be taken into account.
The health boards recommend that people apply for the subventions before taking residence in a nursing home; if an application is made after this point, the person in question can be debarred from claiming a subvention for two years.
If a person is dissatisfied with the amount of the subvention provided, they can appeal and, subsequently, apply to have their case examined by the Ombudsman if still dissatisfied.
Figures from the Department of Health and Children show that, in 2001, 7,550 of the State's nursing home residents were in receipt of some subvention.
The good news for people who pay some or all of their nursing home fees is that most homes are approved by the Revenue Commissioners for the purposes of getting tax relief on fees paid.
This relief can be claimed either by the nursing home resident or by his or her spouse. If another relative is paying the fees, they will only qualify for the relief if they qualify for the Dependent Relative Allowance.
