Brendan Kenneally (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 371: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the length of time capital disposed of to a relative is still counted as means when making an assessment for non-contributory old age pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31975/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

State Pension Non-Contributory is a means tested payment with entitlement to pension decided based on the income or means of the customer. In determining the means of a customer items such as cash income, including British Pensions, the value of any property (excluding a person's own home) and the value of any savings and investments which a person may have are taken into account. Customers are obliged to declare all of their means, and to inform my Department of any change in their circumstances.

Where it is determined that a customer has, directly or indirectly deprived him or herself of any income or property in order to qualify for receipt of the State Pension Non Contributory or a higher rate than he or she would otherwise be entitled that income or the value of that property shall be taken to be part of their means. The assessment of means in such circumstances is provided for under Rule 2 (3) of the Third Schedule of the SW Consolidation Act 2005.

Where the income or the value of the property assessed under this rule has reduced since the date of decision, the customer may apply to have their entitlement reviewed.