Written answers

Tuesday, 26 March 2019

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

State Pension (Contributory)

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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1302. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an increase to the contributory pension will be awarded to a person (details supplied) as part of the review by her Department. [13738/19]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Since late September 2018, my Department has been examining the social insurance records of approximately 90,000 pensioners, born on or after 1 September 1946, who have a reduced rate State pension contributory entitlement based on post Budget 2012 rate-bands. These payments are being reviewed under a new Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pension calculation which includes provision for homecaring periods.

My Department has written to pensioners in Quarter 4 2018 to explain the review process to them. That letter also informed pensioners that wherever possible the Department would use information already held to complete their review and where additional information was required, it would be requested in writing. In January 2019, almost 24,000 requests for additional information were issued.

The person concerned has been reviewed using information already held by the Department. A review outcome has issued to the person concerned, outlining details of their increase in payment. Arrears of payment backdated 30 March 2018 will issue shortly.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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