Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 346: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if welfare assistance will be made available for retired persons (detail supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3532/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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State pension (transition) (SPT) is currently paid to people aged 65 who have a minimum yearly average of 24 social insurance contributions and who have retired from work. Currently it ceases at age 66 when the claimant transfers to State pension (contributory) (SPC). As a result of legislation introduced last year, State pension age will be increased gradually to 68 years. This will begin on 1 January 2014 with the abolition of SPT and the standardisation of State pension age at 66. This means that anyone who reaches age 65 on or after 1 January 2014 will not receive SPT. Accordingly, anyone age 62 in 2011 or later will be affected by the increase in pension age.

State pension age will be increased to 67 years in 2021 and to 68 in 2028. It is worth noting that, until the early 1970s, the qualifying age for State pension (contributory) was 70 years of age. By gradually increasing the qualifying age for State pension, people will be further encouraged to remain in employment beyond 65 years of age. The person concerned will reach pension age at 66. If s/he is no longer employed, s/he may be eligible and can apply for another social welfare payment as is the current position.