Is the family home safe for my spouse under Fair Deal?
Yes — a spouse or partner remaining in the family home is protected: the home is only counted for three years, a 50% spouse-at-home income floor applies, and the contribution can never exceed the actual cost of care.
No one is forced to sell the home to fund care, and the Nursing Home Loan can defer the property-based contribution so nothing has to be sold during their lifetime.
Together with the personal allowance floor, these safeguards are designed so the partner at home keeps a protected share of income and the home itself.
Sources: HSE Fair Deal application form (v4, Dec 2025)
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