Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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301. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if there is a review currently taking place of State non-contributory pension applicants who have capital; if there is an age limit on the applicants being reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6432/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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State pension non-contributory (SPNC) is a means tested payment. Reviews of customer income, capital and investments are, therefore, undertaken on an on-going basis. In addition a customer must be residing in the State in order to be eligible to claim this payment. Ensuring that a customer receives the correct payment in line with their entitlements is an integral part of the day-to-day work of my Department. In 2013 over 4,000 SPNC customers were reviewed. These reviews are undertaken based on a number of criteria including length of time since last review, a change in the circumstances which has come to the attention of the Department and information received from other government departments and agencies. A customer may also request a review to be undertaken when their circumstances have changed and they want to avoid an overpayment occurring.

My Department is currently undertaking a number of reviews including SPNC recipients who may have significant amounts of capital and investments which could affect their means. Reviews are being conducted on a case by case basis irrespective of the customers’ age but taking into account their general health and wellbeing and their ability to conduct their own financial affairs.