Q.  I have just applied for a medical card but I am concerned that my savings are too high. How are my savings means-tested? I am single.

06.09.09

The HSE has published detailed guidelines for the assessment of means for both the medical card and the GP Visit Card. The income guidelines vary for people under and over 70 but capital (savings) is assessed in the same way for both. As you are single, the first €36,000 of savings or similar investments is disregarded. (For a couple this would be €72,000.) The next €10,000 is counted as income of €1 per €1,000 per week. The next €10,000 is counted as income of €2 per €1,000 per week. Any amount in excess of this is counted as income of €4 per €1,000 per week.

Alternatively, if you wish, you can have the actual interest rate applied if you provide a certificate of interest paid on savings in the last full calendar year. If your money is held in fixed-term or long-term savings products that apply the interest after a fixed number of years, the HSE can take account of the interest earned in the year of maturity of the investment. Alternatively, if you wish, the HSE can apply the notional rate to determine the income. The calculation of interest includes Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT). If any of your savings or investments come from certain State compensation schemes, they are not assessable and are disregarded in the means test.
 

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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