Changes to the Fair Deal – Information Webinar
IFA held an information webinar in partnership with the HSE on the Fair Deal scheme. The webinar provided information to farmers on the changes introduced to the scheme in late 2021 and what this means for farmers who require or may require nursing home care in the future.
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, more commonly known as the “Fair Deal”, provides financial support to people who need long-term nursing home care. Under this scheme, an individual makes a contribution towards the cost of their care and the State pays the balance.
In October 2021, changes were made to the scheme that mean farmers can avail of a three-year cap on their farm business assets subject to satisfying certain conditions. The conditions to qualify for the 3-year cap farmers are as follows:
- A family successor is appointed.
- The successor will commit to running the farm or business for at least 6 years.
- The farm or business must have been actively run by you, your partner or your proposed family successor for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
A farmer that meets these conditions will contribute up to 7.5% of the value of their farm assets each year for a maximum of 3 years.
The webinar was chaired by Alice Doyle, Chair of IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee.
Ultan Hynes, Head of Service, Nursing Homes Support Scheme with the HSE provided an overview of the scheme and the requirements for farmers to qualify for the “three-year cap”.