Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 370: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for non-contributory old age pension received by him in each of the past five years to date in 2011; the numbers approved; the numbers rejected; the degree if any to which the qualification guidelines changed during that period to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3815/11]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The following table sets out details of the number of applications received, awarded and refused for each year during the period 2006 – 2010.

* Note – There is no direct relationship in the data between the total numbers awarded and refused and numbers received as a number of applicants would have withdrawn their applications before final decision. Also cases pending at the beginning and end of year are carried from one year to the next.

The following is a summary on a yearly basis of changes in the rate of payment and qualifying conditions for the State pension non-contributory (SPNC) from 2006 onwards (figures quoted are for maximum rates):

2006

Personal rate of SPNC was increased by €16 per week to €182 (6 January).

Qualifying adult payment increased by €10.60 to €120.30 per week (6 January).

Increase in means disregard to €20 per week (September).

In September, a €100 employment earnings disregard was introduced

The over 80 allowance increased to €10 a week (6 January).

Fuel allowance was increased by €5 to €14 per week (October).

2007

Personal rate increased by €18 per week to €200 (5 January).

Qualifying adult payment increased by €11.90 to €132.20 per week on (5 January).

Means disregard was increased by €10 to €30 per week (5 January).

Employment earnings disregard increased by €100 to €200 per week (January).

Fuel allowance was increased by €4 to €18 per week (October).

From September onwards, certain claimants in receipt of SPNC could also receive up to half rate carer's allowance.

2008

Personal rate increased by €12 per week to €212 on personal rate (4 January).

Qualifying adult payment increased by €7.90 to €140.10 per week (4 January).

Fuel season was extended by 1 week to 30 weeks (October).

2009

Personal rate increased by €7 per week to €219 (2 January).

Qualifying adult payment increased by €4.60 to €144.70 per week (2 January).

Fuel season was extended by 2 weeks to 32 weeks and fuel allowance was increased by €2 to €20 per week (October).

2010

No changes in rates or qualifying conditions.

2011

No changes in rates or qualifying conditions.

A once-off "cold weather" fuel allowance payment worth €40 was made.