Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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448. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent of the State pension available to a person (details supplied) and their spouse; if both have an entitlement on foot of contributions; if each has an entitlement in their own right; the maximum pension to which they are entitled jointly or separately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22362/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned has been in receipt of a maximum rate state pension (contributory) with effect from their 66th birthday. Their current weekly rate of payment is €258.30, which includes an over age 80 increase of €10.00 per week. A qualified adult increase in respect of the claimant’s spouse is also in payment. This is a means tested payment, based on the means of the qualified adult. The rate of increase for qualified adult payable was reduced from the maximum rate of €222.50 to €119.10, with effect from 17 May 2019, following a means assessment review.

An application form for state pension (contributory) has been sent to the claimant’s spouse for completion if they wish to have their own personal entitlement assessed. On return, their eligibility to pension will be examined and they will be informed of the outcome in writing.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.