Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent)
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38. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) does not meet the qualifying criteria for a full rate of pension. [22791/19]

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) to pension calculation which includes provision for homecaring periods.

In May 2019, the person concerned submitted an application for HomeCaring periods.  My Department has requested further information in order to make a determination on the person's eligibility for HomeCaring period(s).  Following receipt of the requested information, a pension review outcome will issue to the person concerned in writing. 

Where a pensioner qualifies for an increase, their weekly rate will be adjusted without delay and they will receive arrears backdated to 30 March 2018, or their 66th birthday if later.  Where pension rates do not increase as a result of this review, the person will continue to be paid at their existing rate. 

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.