Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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247. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) would be entitled to a State pension, either contributory or non-contributory, or a widow's pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44437/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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In order to have a person’s entitlement to state pension (contributory) or widow(er)’s or surviving civil partner’s (contributory) pension examined, a completed application form must be submitted to my Department. Both pension application forms have been posted to the person concerned. Application forms are also available to download from the Department’s website www.welfare.ie.

Once the completed application forms are received, entitlement will be examined and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome without delay. The highest rate of pension entitlement will be awarded.

One of the eligibility conditions for state pension (non-contributory), which is a means tested payment, is the applicant must be living in the State. An application form for this pension type has not been issued, as the person concerned is currently resident in the USA.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.