Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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641. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the correct entitlement of widower's pension or OAP in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1389/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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An application for state pension (contributory) (SPC) was received from the person concerned in September 2016. In order to qualify for SPC, all outstanding self-employment liabilities must be paid. According to the Department’s records, outstanding liabilities remain in respect of the 2008 tax year. The person concerned has been notified that the conditions for SPC are not satisfied until all outstanding liabilities have been paid. When the person concerned has paid their outstanding liabilities, they should contact my Department so that their entitlement can be reviewed without delay.

A widower's pension (contributory) application was received from the person concerned on 28 November 2016. In a similar way, qualification for pension is impacted by any existing outstanding self-employment liabilities. The person concerned has been contacted and advised to finalise their liabilities in respect of the 2008 tax year and to notify my Department when this is completed, so that their entitlement can be reviewed promptly.

The person concerned has also made an application for state pension (non-contributory). As this is a means tested payment, further information has been sought from the person concerned. On receipt of the requested information, their entitlement to pension will be examined.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.