Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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706. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the decision to refuse an application for the State pension (non-contributory) by a person (details supplied) will be examined; the reason for the refusal of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53085/19]

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. In order to satisfy the habitual residence condition, the person must have a legal right of residence in the State.

An application for state pension (non-contributory) was received from the person concerned on 15 August 2019.Following an assessment of the income and assets of the person concerned, the Deciding Officer established that the person's weekly means, comprising of income and capital, exceeded the statutory weekly means limit of €262.50 and the application was disallowed on that basis. 

The person concerned was notified of this decision on 4 December 2019, together with the reasons for the decision and their right, if dissatisfied with the decision, to request a review of the decision, or to  appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.