Fair Deal cost · Ireland · 2026
How much does Fair Deal cost?
Based on the HSE's published Fair Deal financial-assessment rules. The HSE's assessment sets the final contribution.
The Fair Deal cost formula
Single / widowed
80% of income + 7.5% of assets per year
The first €36,000 of assessable assets is disregarded. The annual asset amount is divided by 52 to produce the weekly contribution.
One of a couple
40% of income + 3.75% of assets per year
The first €72,000 of combined assessable assets is disregarded. The HSE assesses the couple's combined income and assets under the lower couple rates.
Worked Fair Deal cost examples
Example 1: single applicant, income only
If a single applicant has €300 a week of assessable income and no assessable assets above the disregard, the income contribution is €240 a week (80% of €300).
Example 2: single applicant with savings
If the applicant receives €300 a week and has €60,000 in savings, €24,000 remains after the €36,000 disregard. At 7.5% a year, that contributes about €34.62 a week. Added to the €240 income contribution, the estimated total is about €274.62 a week.
Example 3: the family home and the three-year cap
A principal private residence can add to the asset contribution for the first three years in care. After the three-year cap is reached, the home is automatically removed from the financial assessment, so the weekly contribution can fall substantially.
Does the nursing home price change your Fair Deal cost?
No. The HSE states that the amount a nursing home charges does not change the contribution calculated from your means. If your assessed contribution is €300 a week, it remains €300 whether an approved home costs €1,100 or €1,500 a week; the HSE pays the approved balance.
What counts towards Fair Deal cost?
Income
Assessable income can include pensions, earnings, certain rental income, dividends, interest and other regular income, after allowable deductions recognised by the HSE.
Assets
Assets can include savings, investments, property, land, farms and businesses. The principal home is treated differently because the three-year cap can apply.
Fair Deal cost: common questions
How much does Fair Deal cost per week?
There is no fixed weekly Fair Deal fee. The HSE calculates each applicant's contribution from assessable income and assets. A single applicant is generally assessed at 80% of assessable income plus 7.5% a year of assessable assets above the €36,000 disregard.
How much does a couple pay under Fair Deal?
For one of a couple, the published rates are 40% of combined assessable income plus 3.75% a year of combined assessable assets, with a €72,000 asset disregard.
Does a more expensive nursing home increase my Fair Deal contribution?
No. The HSE says the amount the nursing home charges does not change the applicant's assessed contribution. The HSE pays the balance of the approved cost, provided the contribution does not exceed the cost of care.