Increase for a Qualified Adult
It is €168.60 a week on most payments in 2026. With State Pension (Contributory) it is up to €199.40 if they are under 66 or up to €268.40 if they are 66 or over. These are maximum rates. A reduced rate applies if their income is more than €100 a week, except on Jobseeker's Allowance, Disability Allowance and Farm Assist, which use a household means test.
Last checked October 2026
What it is
An extra weekly amount added to your social welfare payment when your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant depends on you. In 2026 it is €168.60 a week on most payments. With State Pension (Contributory) it is up to €199.40 if they are under 66 or up to €268.40 if they are 66 or over. For most payments their gross weekly income must be no more than €310. Under €100 you get the full rate, between €100 and €310 a reduced rate and over €310 nothing. Jobseeker's Allowance, Disability Allowance and Farm Assist use a household means test instead, and other means-tested payments also assess your partner's income in the means test for your payment. They cannot have a social welfare payment of their own, apart from a short list that includes Child Benefit and Disablement Benefit. Budget 2027: from January 2027 the increase with State Pension (Contributory) rises to up to €206.10 if they are under 66 and up to €277.40 if they are 66 or over. From July 2027 the upper income limit rises from €310 to €340 for State Pension (Contributory) and other social insurance schemes. The Department's service page still shows the 2026 rates.
Who can get it
- You get a social welfare personal payment and your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant depends on you
- For most payments their gross weekly income must be no more than €310. Under €100 you get the full rate, between €100 and €310 a reduced rate and over €310 nothing
- On Jobseeker's Allowance, Disability Allowance and Farm Assist a household means test applies instead, with no reduced rates
- They do not have a social welfare payment of their own, apart from a short list that includes Child Benefit and Disablement Benefit
- The rate depends on the payment you get. In 2026 Invalidity Pension is €185.40 (a higher rate continues for a qualified adult who was already over 66 before 1 January 2014) and State Pension (Non-Contributory) is up to €190.20 for a qualified adult under 66 and is not paid for one aged 66 or over. Illness Benefit, Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed), Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds, Injury Benefit and Health and Safety Benefit are €168.60. Incapacity Supplement is €168.60 under 66 and €181.40 at 66 or over. Disability Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance, Farm Assist and Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance are €168.60. Blind Pension is €168.60 and is not payable over 66.
- Jobseeker's Allowance and Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance are €163.70 for those under 25 who are not living independently.
- If you get an Increase for a Qualified Adult, the Child Support Payment for your children is usually at the full rate rather than the half rate.
- From January 2027, with State Pension (Contributory), the increase rises to up to €206.10 if they are under 66 and up to €277.40 if they are 66 or over. From July 2027 the income limit rises from €310 to €340 for State Pension (Contributory) and other social insurance schemes. Other payments also get proportionate increases for a qualified adult from January 2027.
- You do not apply separately when you first claim. You give your partner's details on the claim form for your main payment. If you are already getting a payment and did not claim for them, contact the section that pays it or your Intreo Centre.
How to claim
Give your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant's details on the claim form for your main payment. If you are already getting a payment and did not claim for them, contact the section that pays it or your Intreo Centre. If you already get the State Pension (Contributory), use form SPCQA1.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 29 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
How much is the Increase for a Qualified Adult in 2026?
It is €168.60 a week on most payments. With State Pension (Contributory) it is up to €199.40 if your partner is under 66 or up to €268.40 if they are 66 or over. A few payments pay a different amount, such as Invalidity Pension at €185.40.
How much can my partner earn?
For most payments their gross weekly income must be no more than €310. Under €100 you get the full rate, between €100 and €310 a reduced rate and over €310 nothing. On Jobseeker's Allowance, Disability Allowance and Farm Assist a household means test applies instead.
Do I apply for it separately?
You give your partner's details on the claim form for your main payment. If you are already getting a payment and did not claim for them, contact the section that pays it or your Intreo Centre. If you already get the State Pension (Contributory), use form SPCQA1.
Related guides
- Carer's Allowance
- Carer's Support Grant
- Domiciliary Care Allowance
- Carer's Benefit
- Home Carer Tax Credit
Not sure if this one is you?
Describe your situation in your own words and the assistant shows every support you might qualify for, this one included. Free, no sign up, anonymous.
Check what you might qualify for →Grants change all the time.
Leave your email and I will tell you if the Increase for a Qualified Adult changes, or a new support opens that fits you. It is free and there is no spam.