Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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649. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a pension increase and back payment will be awarded to a person (details supplied). [2875/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Since the end of September 2018, my Department has been examining the social insurance records of pensioners born on or after 1 September 1946 who were awarded state pension (contributory) on reduced post Budget 2012 rate bands.  Information letters were issued to all these pensioners explaining that my Department will contact them again to either inform them about the outcome of their review or to request further information in order to complete their review.  All of the claims involved will be individually examined in age order, starting with those aged 71 years or over.  Due to the number of pensioners involved, the process will take a number of months to complete.

Where possible, my Department will use information already held to assist in these reviews.  For example, a deciding officer will consider awarding HomeCaring Periods where a person’s gap in employment coincides directly with a period for which they received certain social welfare payments such as Child Benefit (for a child up to age 12) or Carers Allowance or Benefit.  Additional information will be requested in writing from pensioners in relation to unexplained gaps in their social insurance record if required to complete their review.  Information requests will also explain how to access my Department’s on-line service to provide the relevant information.  On receipt of the requested information, the person’s state pension (contributory) pension will be reviewed and they will be informed of the outcome in writing. 

It is expected that the first review outcomes will be notified during Quarter 1 2019.  Regardless of when a review is completed, where a pensioner qualifies for an increase, the increase will be paid with their next due payment and arrears backdated to March 2018, or their 66th birthday if later.  If a pensioner does not qualify for an increase, they will continue to receive their existing rate of payment.  No personal pension entitlement rates will be reduced as a result of this review.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.