Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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325. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a review of their pension payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15761/19]

Regina 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) pension calculation which includes provision for HomeCaring periods.

Where possible, my Department will use information already held to assist in these reviews.  Additional information will be requested in writing from pensioners in relation to unexplained gaps in their social insurance record where required to complete their review.  

An examination of the person's social insurance record has found some unexplained gaps in their social insurance record.  A request for information about time spend out of the workforce for parenting or caring reasons has been sent to the person concerned.  Included in the letter are details of how to return the required information using the Department’s online services.  This is the quickest and easiest way to provide the information required to complete the person's review.  The letter also provides a dedicated telephone number for assistance submitting the online application, or to request a paper form if the person has difficulties submitting their application online.

On receipt of the requested information, the person’s state pension (contributory) pension rate will be reviewed and they will be informed of the outcome in writing.  If an increase is due, it will be backdated to 30 March 2018.  If no increase is due following the review, the person will continue to receive their existing rate of payment.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.