If you didn't claim it when you applied, you can still ask the section that pays you to add it.
Quick facts
- Most payments, 2026
- €168.60 a week
- State Pension (Contributory)
- €199.40 (under 66) / €268.40 (66+)
- Full IQA (contributory)
- Partner earns under €100
- None (contributory)
- Partner earns over €310
- Means-tested payments
- Partner's income goes in the means test
What it is
"You may also get an extra amount for your adult dependant (called a qualified adult) which is paid as an increase to your personal payment (called an Increase for a Qualified Adult or IQA)." "An adult dependant is usually your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant."
"Only one IQA for an adult dependent can be paid with your social welfare payment." Your partner usually can't be getting their own social welfare payment, with exceptions like half-rate Carer's Allowance and Child Benefit.
How much, 2026
On "Illness Benefit, Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Benefit (Self-Employed), Injury Benefit, Health and Safety Benefit, Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Jobseeker's Allowance, Farm Assist and Supplementary Welfare Allowance €168.60 €168.60". For the pension: "State Pension (Contributory) €199.40* €268.40*", depending on whether your partner is under or over 66.
"If you apply for the State Pension (Contributory) or State Pension (Non-Contributory) the Increase for a Qualified Adult will automatically be paid directly to your adult dependant."
Your partner's income
"For most social insurance payments your adult dependant cannot have gross weekly earnings or income (before tax and PRSI deductions) of more than €310. If your adult dependant earns less than €100 you will get a full Increase for a Qualified Adult (IQA). If your adult dependant earns between €100 and €310 you will get a reduced rate of IQA (sometimes called a tapered rate of IQA)."
"If you are getting a social assistance (means-tested) payment , your adult dependant's income is assessed in the means test for your payment." "If you did not claim for your adult dependant at the time you were making your claim, contact the section in the Department of Social Protection which pays your social welfare payment."
Common questions
How much is the Increase for a Qualified Adult in 2026?
€168.60 a week on most payments, including Jobseeker's, Illness Benefit and Disability Allowance; €199.40 or €268.40 with the State Pension (Contributory).
Can my partner work and I still get the IQA?
On contributory payments, yes: full if they earn under €100 a week, reduced up to €310, none above. On means-tested payments their income goes into the means test.
Do cohabiting couples get the Increase for a Qualified Adult?
Yes. An adult dependant is usually a spouse, civil partner or cohabitant.