Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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621. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department is in the process of contacting recipients of the non-contributory pension querying their entitlement to this payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43173/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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State pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record. 

For the purposes of the means-assessment, it is necessary at the outset for claimants to provide full details of any income(s), assets, savings and investments they hold. Following the award of pension, a reporting obligation continues to apply whereby the recipient (and, where relevant, their qualified adult dependant, personal representative or agent) must notify the Department in a timely manner of any change in their circumstances that may impact on their on-going pension entitlement. This requirement is explained in their letter of award of state pension non-contributory pension.  More recently, reminder letters issue to a proportion of all non contributory pensioners to remind them of the their responsibility in this regard.  The need to inform the Department of changes in circumstances is also included in the Department’s literature and website information.

As part of my Department’s commitment to ensuring that recipient  receive their full and correct entitlements, the scheme area operates a cyclical review programme.  On selection, the claimant may be asked to complete and return a means questionnaire, together with any relevant documentation.  On receipt their payment entitlement is reviewed.  If this results in a change in payment entitlement, the person is informed of the change.  If the person is unhappy with the decision, the letter also explains their right of appeal to the independent Chief Appeals Office and how to avail of this option.  

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.