Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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884. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) will be included in the contributory pension review; if so, when they will be contacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23624/19]

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.

The person concerned applied for and was awarded a reduced rate State pension (contributory) in 2017. However as they were already in receipt of a Widow's, widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (contributory) pension at a more beneficial rate, the State pension (contributory) was withdrawn.

The person concerned has 818 reckonable paid contributions, which, combined with the maximum permissible number of HomeCaring periods and reckonable credits (1,040, as set out in legislation), results in a payment rate of 89.33% of the maximum rate of pension. Their current payment is equivalent to 95.73% of the maximum rate of State pension (contributory) so they continue to be better off on their current Widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's (contributory) pension payment.

A review outcome letter has issued to the person concerned which includes a copy of their social insurance contribution record used in this decision.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.