Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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588. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a further review will be carried out on a person's (details supplied) application for further backdating of their old age non-contributory pension at the maximum rate. [5580/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The State pension non-contributory claim of the person concerned has been reviewed based on comprehensive information now provided of her farming activities and the verification of her actual income from farming over the past three years. While acknowledging that the pattern of her farming activity has changed, the documentation examined and the inspector’s interview with the person concerned indicate a level of weekly means in excess of what had been previously advised and assessed.

The deciding officer will now adjust the level of State pension non-contributory payable to the person concerned from a current date and the customer will be advised accordingly. While this adjustment will initially result in a small refund of pension (reflecting fluctuations in the person’s assessed income through the 2017 tax year), the customer’s overall level of weekly State pension will reduce having regard to her increased means. The customer will also be advised of her right to appeal this decision if she is unhappy with the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.