Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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1114. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason the non-contributory pension of a person (details supplied) was reduced from €184 to €152 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2586/20]

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-test, it is necessary at the outset for applicants 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 pension 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 pension entitlement.

The person concerned requested a review of their state pension non-contributory on 4 March 2019.  On review of the person's weekly means at that time, the Deciding Officer established that their weekly means had increased, resulting in a reduction in their weekly pension entitlement effective from 26 July 2019.

The person concerned was notified of this decision on 9 July 2019, together with the reasons for the decision and notified of 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.  The person concerned subsequently appealed the decision.  The decision was upheld on appeal and the person was notified of this by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 23 January 2020.

It is open to the person concerned to notify any change in their circumstances and request a further review of their state pension by writing to:  State pension (non-contributory) section, Social Welfare Services, College Road, Sligo F91 T384.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.