Gone are the days when those renting out their homes in Ireland while staying at a nursing home had to contribute 40% of their rental income towards the cost of long-term care. Under the previous system, they could only retain 60% of the income generated. Irish citizens somehow had to manage expenses on repairs, renewals, agent commissions, service fees and everything else from that meagre part of the rental income. This discouraged many Fair Deal Scheme applicants from renting out their properties, resulting in a housing shortage in the country.
With the new reform in place, effective February 1, 2024, the financial assessment has changed. Renting out homes now allows residents to benefit from 100% rental income. Let us know more about it and its implications from the post today.
.jpg "Fair Deal in Ireland")
Fair Deal Nursing Home Scheme Reform: What Led to It?
On one fine Wednesday, the Irish Government defeated Sinn Fein’s motion calling for the extension of the eviction ban. It was definitely not a coincidence but an outcome of the support from rural independents. In exchange for the win in the controversial vote, people demanded an amendment to the existing rules of Fair Deal in Ireland. This led to a decline in rental income contribution towards nursing home care from 40% to 0%.
Implications for Fair Deal Homeowners
Homeowners in Ireland seeking long-term nursing home care can save their rental income. It’s 40% of the added savings for property owners and 80% for people renting out someone else’s home. Now, this is just a financial benefit. Enclosed are other ways you could benefit:
Increased financial flexibility. With applicants now enjoying complete freedom over the rental income, they can now use the extra income to cover expenses related to nursing home care. In a way, they can lower their financial burden on themselves and their family.
Financial assessment is simplified. With the new arrangement in effect from February 1, 2024, the financial aspect is now more straightforward for homeowners seeking nursing home support.
The ready availability of rental properties. The ability of homeowners to save 100% of their rental incomes has encouraged many to rent out their vacant homes and fill out the shortage of rental properties in the market.
Better family planning. Every family plans for the long-term care of all its elderly members. When renting out homes, the 100% rental income thus gained can be used to influence decision-making related to property management and financial coverage of nursing home care.
Wrapping Up:
The Fair Deal Scheme has recently undergone a positive change in its financial assessment. If you are willing to benefit from it, apply for financial support from HSE today. If necessary, seek the advisory support of Fair Deal Advice and maximise your rental income while going through long-term nursing home care. For more such updates, keep an eye on our blog section.
