Written answers
Wednesday, 6 May 2015
Department of Social Protection
State Pension (Contributory) Applications
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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110. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for the State Pension (Contributory) received by her Department in the course of the past twelve months, to date; the number approved and rejected; the number of cases in respect of which the application were automatically tested for the State Pension (Non-Contributory); the number of cases in respect of which a whole new application was required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17843/15]
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The table shows the total number of state pension (contributory) applications received from January 2014 to April 2015, together with a breakdown of decision outcomes during that period as follows:
| Period | Claims received | Claims awarded | Claims disallowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan– Dec 2014 | 40,212 | 27,591 | 8,205 |
| Jan – April 2015 | 10,795 | 6,299 | 2,572 |
State pension (contributory) is an insurance based payment, paid to people from the age of 66 who satisfy a number of qualifying conditions. It is not a means-tested payment. State pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over who do not qualify for a , or who qualify for a reduced contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
The notification of a decision by a Deciding Officer to disallow a claim for state pension (contributory), where the qualifying conditions are not met, provides the claimant with the option to appeal the decision and advises them of the option to apply for the alternative means tested state pension (non-contributory) pension. Where the claimant wishes to apply for state pension (non-contributory) pension they are required to complete and return a SPNC1 form, which captures details of the income and assets the claimant holds and, where applicable, the income and assets of their dependent spouse, civil-partner or cohabitant.
This information is required to allow a Deciding Officer to consider their entitlement for pension and the applicant will be notified of the Deciding Officer's decision without delay.
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