How long does a Fair Deal application take?
There is no single HSE-published end-to-end processing time for every Fair Deal application. The HSE's national KPI is for 90% of complete care-needs assessment applications to be determined within six weeks; the financial assessment and funding decision are separate steps.
The application process has four stages: the completed application, care-needs assessment, financial assessment and funding decision. The HSE arranges the care-needs assessment after it receives a completed application.
The six-week measure applies specifically to complete care-needs assessment applications being processed to a determination. It should not be read as a guarantee that the entire Fair Deal process will finish within six weeks.
If you apply for the optional Nursing Home Loan, the HSE says that part can sometimes take several months because official property documents may be needed.
Fair Deal funding cannot be backdated, so families already paying privately should submit a complete application as early as practical.