Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

191. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to review the State pension for a person (details supplied) who worked in the Civil Service from 1968 to 1975; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20077/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The person concerned reached pension age on 5 April 2016. To date, my department has not received an application for State Pension (contributory).

Under current eligibility conditions, an individual must have 520 full-rate contributions paid in the state to qualify for standard State Pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment.

As the person concerned worked in the civil service, they may be considered for a mixed insurance pension. To qualify for this pension, 520 employment contributions are required, of which at least 260 must be full-rate employment contributions with the remainder made up of modified contributions.

They may also be considered for pro-rata state pension (contributory) under EU/Bilateral legislation based on a combination of their Irish and UK contributions. This pension is payable where a person does not qualify for a pension based on their Irish contributions alone or who may qualify for a higher rate of pension based on a combination of Irish and UK contributions. One of the qualifying conditions for receipt of this pension is that a person must have a combined total of 520 contributions between Ireland and the UK. At least 52 must be Irish contributions or credits, of which 1 must be a paid contribution.

I have introduced a number of reforms to the State Pension including a provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years (1040 weeks). If the person concerned has been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years, she can apply for Long-Term Carers Contributions (LTCC). If the criteria are met, the equivalent of paid contributions may be attributed to cover gaps in her contribution record. The periods of care-giving do not need to be consecutive.

I have arranged for an application form to issue for LTCC. However, the quickest way to apply is online at MyWelfare.ie if the person concerned has a verified MyGovID account. I have also arranged for an application form for state pension (contributory) to issue. On receipt of the completed application forms, entitlement will be examined. Further information is available on the Government website at gov.ie/pensions.

Where a person aged 66 or over does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a State pension (contributory) or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, it is open to them to apply for the State Pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested payment with a maximum payment of €266.00 per week, which is over 95% of the maximum State pension (contributory).

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.