Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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474. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the rationale for the conditions for the PRSI contributions for the benefit payment for 65-year-olds; the reason a person would not be eligible for the benefit payment at 65 years old, even if they are eligible and have made enough PRSI payments to qualify for the State pension a year later; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19518/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Benefit Payment for 65-Year-Olds was introduced in line with the Programme for Government commitment to address the position of people who are required to or choose to retire at age 65 before the State pension age of 66. The payment is designed to bridge the gap for people who retire from employment or self-employment at age 65 until they qualify for the State Pension at age 66.

This support is provided for under the Jobseeker's Benefit and Jobseeker’s Benefit (Self-Employed) schemes. To be eligible for the payment a person must satisfy the qualifying conditions of the relevant scheme including the PRSI social insurance contribution requirements, which demonstrates their recent attachment to the workforce.

A person who does not meet the conditions for this payment may be eligible for the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance scheme.

I trust that clarifies the position for the Deputy.