Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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1114. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the pension entitlements of a person (details supplied) under the new total contributions approach will be investigated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1634/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The measures announced by Government in January 2018, to provide for a new rate calculation method and new HomeCaring Periods, apply to pensioners born on or after 1 September 1946, who were awarded on reduced post Budget 2012 rate bands.

The person concerned is currently the beneficiary of an increase for qualified adult payment on their spouse's pension and there is no record of the person having made a claim for state pension (contributory) in their own right. The person concerned should complete an application form for pension in the first instance.

It should be noted that the new HomeCaring Periods, where awarded, are aimed at helping pensioners improve their rates of payment and cannot be used to satisfy the qualifying conditions for state pension (contributory).

Following receipt of a completed application for pension, the person's entitlement to pension will be assessed and they will be notified of the outcome in writing. If the person qualifies for state pension (contributory), as their date of birth is after 1 September 1946, they will be entitled to claim HomeCaring Periods for time spent out of the workforce caring for their son.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.