Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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260. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when restoration of a widow's pension will occur in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19511/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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A condition of continuing eligibility for payment under the Widows, Widowers or Surviving Civil Partners Non Contributory Pension scheme is that the applicant is not involved in a cohabiting relationship.

The applicant in this case was selected for a routine review to ensure that she continued to meet the eligibility criteria for payment. Part of this review involved investigation and interview by an inspector. In the course of this investigation, the applicant advised the inspector that she was in a cohabiting relationship since August 2017. She signed a voluntary declaration to this effect.

As a result the applicant was advised on 8th January 2018 of the decision to terminate her Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Non Contributory Pension as she was cohabiting. This decision resulted in an overpayment of €2,316 for the period 4th August 2017 to 26thOctober 2017.

The Deputy subsequently appealed this decision on behalf of the applicant to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The appeal was disallowed by the Appeals Officer and the applicant was advised of this in writing on 27th April 2018.

In the circumstances, there are currently no grounds on which to restore the Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Non Contributory Pension in this case.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.