Asking for a review when savings fall
The contribution includes a share of savings. As savings are spent on care, the contribution worked out at the start can become too high. The HSE says you can ask for another financial review 12 months after your last review, and that the HSE may review a financial assessment at any time. If savings have gone down, ask for a review once 12 months have passed. Send current statements with the request.
Changes you must report within 10 working days
The HSE says you must tell your local Nursing Homes Support Office if your circumstances, or your spouse or partner’s, change. Its list includes:
- the death of a spouse or partner
- an increase in income for either of you, or in dividends from shares
- extra rental income, or the home or another property being rented out
- the sale of an asset
- an addition to assets, such as an inheritance
- a legal separation
The HSE says that not reporting a change within 10 working days may affect the funding received, and that you can be fined.
If the house is sold
If the home is sold while the person is in care, the HSE says the net proceeds become a cash asset, which still qualifies for the three-year cap. The sale must be reported within 10 working days so the contribution can be reassessed. The three-year cap explained shows how this works.
Keep a simple record
Keep a note of every letter sent to and from the Nursing Homes Support Office, with dates. When the 12 months are up, you will know exactly when to ask for a review.
Questions families ask
Can we ask for the contribution to be lowered when savings fall?
You can ask for another financial review 12 months after the last review. The HSE may also review a financial assessment at any time. Send current statements with the request.
What changes must be reported?
Changes such as the death of a spouse or partner, an increase in income or dividends, extra rental income, the sale of an asset, an inheritance, or a legal separation. They must be reported within 10 working days.
What happens if the house is sold while our parent is in care?
The net proceeds become a cash asset, which still qualifies for the three-year cap. The sale must be reported within 10 working days.
Guidance reviewed on 30 October 2026 against the sources below. fairdeal.ie is independent. The HSE decides every application.