Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1454. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the correct level of State pension and dependent allowance payable in the case of a person (details supplied) and their spouse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16224/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned is in receipt of a reduced weekly rate of state pension (contributory) of €238.50 with effect from 31 March 2007. This rate is based on an assessed yearly average of 44 contributions over the person’s working life from April 1957 to December 2006. According to the records of my Department, the person has a social insurance record of 2187 reckonable contributions and credits and is in receipt of the correct rate of state pension (contributory) based on this record.

The person is also in receipt of a means tested increase for qualified adult payment, payable at maximum rate, in respect of their spouse who is aged over 66. My Department is currently reviewing the person’s continuing entitlement to this means tested increase. A questionnaire regarding the means of the person’s spouse was issued on 5 March 2018. As no response was received, a reminder was issued on 4 April 2018.

On return of the completed questionnaire, the entitlement of the person concerned to increase for qualified adult will be reviewed and they will be notified in writing of the outcome without delay. As failure to return the requested information will result in payments being stopped, it is important that the person concerned gives this matter their early attention.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.