Understanding Ireland's Fair Deal Scheme
The Fair Deal scheme helps Irish residents pay for nursing home care. Learn how it works, what you'll pay, and how to apply for government funding support.
What is the Fair Deal Scheme?
The Fair Deal Scheme (officially called the Nursing Homes Support Scheme) is Ireland's system for helping people pay for long-term nursing home care. If you need nursing home care, the government will help cover the costs - you don't have to pay the full amount yourself.
Key Benefits:
- • Government pays part of your nursing home costs
- • You can choose any approved nursing home
- • Optional loan available to avoid selling your home
- • Available to anyone who needs long-term care
Fair Deal Eligibility: Do You Qualify?
Quick Eligibility Check
Answer these questions to see if you likely qualify for Fair Deal:
Detailed Eligibility Requirements
Residency Requirements
You must be "ordinarily resident" in Ireland, meaning:
- • You've lived in Ireland for at least 1 year before applying, OR
- • You intend to live in Ireland for at least 1 year
- • You're an Irish citizen returning to Ireland for care
Care Needs Requirements
A healthcare professional must assess that you need long-term nursing home care because:
- • You cannot safely live independently at home
- • Home care services cannot adequately meet your needs
- • You require 24-hour nursing supervision
- • You need assistance with most daily living activities
Special Circumstances
Mental Capacity
If you cannot make decisions yourself, these people can apply for you:
- • Decision-making representative (appointed by Circuit Court)
- • Person with enduring power of attorney
- • Ward of court representative
- • Spouse, partner, or adult child
- • Healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, social worker)
Emergency Situations
If you need immediate care due to:
- • Hospital discharge
- • Sudden illness or injury
- • Family emergency
You can still apply for Fair Deal, but may need to pay privately until approval. In some cases, transitional care funding may be available.
Fair Deal Application Timeline: What to Expect
Total typical timeline: 6-10 weeks from application to funding start
Important: Apply early! You may need to pay privately while waiting for approval. Fair Deal cannot be backdated.
Week 1-2: Application Submission
- • Gather required documents
- • Complete application form
- • Submit to local Nursing Homes Support Office
- • Receive acknowledgment from HSE
Week 3-4: Care Needs Assessment
- • HSE contacts you to arrange assessment
- • Healthcare professional visits/assesses
- • Assessment report completed
- • Decision on care needs made
Week 5-6: Financial Assessment
- • HSE reviews your financial documents
- • Calculates your contribution amount
- • Determines State support level
- • Processes nursing home loan (if applicable)
Week 7-8: Approval & Funding
- • Receive written decision
- • Choose approved nursing home
- • Arrange admission
- • Funding begins
Tips to Speed Up Your Application
- Gather documents early: Bank statements, pension details, property valuations
- Apply before you need care: You can apply up to 6 months in advance
- Choose your nursing home early: Popular homes may have waiting lists
- Consider transitional care: Available in some emergency situations
- Stay in contact: Respond quickly to HSE requests for information
📋 Free Fair Deal Application Checklist
Don't delay your application with missing documents. Get our complete checklist of everything you need to apply for Fair Deal successfully.
Included in this checklist:
- Complete document list with explanations
- Where to get each document
- Timeline for gathering everything
- Tips to avoid common mistakes
- Contact details for help
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How Much Will You Pay?
Your contribution depends on your income and assets. The HSE does a financial assessment to calculate your share, then pays the rest directly to the nursing home.
If You're Single
3-Year Cap: You'll only pay the property contribution for 3 years maximum.
If You're in a Couple
3-Year Cap: Maximum 11.25% of your home's value over 3 years.
Example Calculations
Example: Single Person
Mary's Situation:
- • Weekly income: €240
- • Home value: €200,000
- • No cash savings
- • Nursing home cost: €1,000/week
Mary Pays Per Week:
- • Income (80%): €192
- • Home (7.5% yearly): €237
- • Total: €429
- • HSE pays: €571
After 3 years, Mary only pays €192/week (just her income contribution).
Example: Married Couple
John & Patricia's Situation:
- • Combined weekly income: €800
- • Home value: €200,000
- • Cash savings: €100,000
- • Nursing home cost: €1,000/week
They Pay Per Week:
- • Income (40%): €320
- • Savings (3.75%): €20
- • Home (3.75%): €144
- • Total: €484
- • HSE pays: €516
🧮 Fair Deal Cost Calculator
Get a personalized estimate of your Fair Deal contribution based on your specific financial situation.
Fair Deal in Complex Financial Situations
If You've Given Money or Property Away
5-Year Lookback Rule: Fair Deal considers any gifts or asset transfers in the 5 years before your application.
Example: Recent Gift Impact
Situation: Michael gave €50,000 to his daughter 2 years ago to help with her house deposit.
Fair Deal Impact: This €50,000 is added back to his assets for the financial assessment, even though he no longer has the money.
Additional Cost: €3,750 per year (7.5% of €50,000) for up to 3 years = €11,250 total
Planning Strategies
- 7+ years ahead: Gifts outside the 5-year window aren't counted
- Small annual gifts: Regular small amounts may be viewed differently
- Document reasons: Keep records of why gifts were made
- Consider timing: Delay large gifts if care might be needed soon
Nursing Home Loan
Don't want to sell your home? The nursing home loan lets you defer paying the property portion of your contribution. The HSE pays it for you, and it's repaid when your home is eventually sold.
✓ Benefits of the Loan
- • Keep your home in the family
- • No monthly property payments
- • Can be repaid at any time
- • Only paid when home is sold
! Important to Know
- • It's optional - your choice
- • Only covers property contribution
- • Still pay income & cash assets
- • Interest may apply
How to Apply
Get Assessment
A healthcare professional assesses if you need nursing home care.
Submit Application
Complete forms with financial documents and submit to HSE.
Choose Home
Pick from approved nursing homes and start receiving funding.
Documents You'll Need:
- Bank statements (6 months)
- Pension statements
- Social welfare documentation
- Property deeds/valuation
- Investment statements
- Medical assessment report
Fair Deal Mistakes That Cost Irish Families Thousands
Avoid these costly mistakes that can delay your application, increase your costs, or reduce your benefits:
❌Applying Too Late
The Problem: Many families wait until care is urgently needed, then pay full private rates for weeks while waiting for Fair Deal approval.
The Cost: €1,000+ per week while waiting
The Solution: Apply up to 6 months before you expect to need care. You're not committed until you actually move in.
❌Not Understanding the 3-Year Cap
The Problem: Families sell their home unnecessarily, thinking they'll pay 7.5% forever.
The Cost: Losing the family home when the nursing home loan could have protected it
The Solution: Consider the nursing home loan to defer payments and protect your home for family.
❌Making Large Gifts Without Planning
The Problem: Giving money to children within 5 years of needing care increases Fair Deal costs.
The Cost: 7.5% annual charge on gifted amounts for up to 3 years
The Solution: Plan gifts carefully, ideally 7+ years before potential care needs.
❌Choosing the Wrong Nursing Home
The Problem: Not all nursing homes are Fair Deal approved, or they may not meet your specific care needs.
The Cost: Delays in placement or paying higher private rates
The Solution: Check our database of Fair Deal approved homes before making decisions.
❌Incomplete Documentation
The Problem: Missing or incomplete financial documents delay the application process.
The Cost: Weeks of additional private payments
The Solution: Use our complete documents checklist to ensure nothing is missing.
❌Not Notifying of Changes
The Problem: Failing to report income or asset changes within 10 working days can result in fines.
The Cost: Financial penalties plus potential overpayment recovery
The Solution: Keep your local Nursing Homes Support Office informed of any changes immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Fair Deal?
Anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland for at least one year who needs long-term nursing home care. There are no age restrictions.
Can I choose any nursing home?
Yes, you can choose any HSE-approved nursing home that can meet your care needs and has availability.
What if I can't afford my contribution?
You may be eligible for the nursing home loan to defer property-related payments. Contact your local Nursing Homes Support Office for advice.
How long does the application take?
Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks once all required documentation is submitted. You may need to pay privately while waiting.
Can Fair Deal be backdated?
No, Fair Deal funding cannot be backdated. It only starts from the date of approval, so apply as early as possible.
Finding Fair Deal Approved Nursing Homes
Not all nursing homes participate in Fair Deal. Use our database to find approved homes in your area that meet your specific needs.
What to Look for in a Fair Deal Approved Home
HIQA Inspection Reports
Check recent inspection reports for compliance and quality ratings.
Specialized Care
Ensure they can meet your specific care needs (dementia, medical conditions, etc.).
Additional Costs
Ask about extra fees for hairdressing, physiotherapy, or activities.
Waiting Lists
Popular homes may have waiting lists - apply to multiple homes if needed.
Ready to Find the Right Nursing Home?
Browse approved nursing homes across Ireland and start your Fair Deal application today.
Official Government Information
For complete official details and application forms, visit the HSE website:
HSE Fair Deal Scheme