Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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169. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for a widower's pension by a person (details supplied) will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17486/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Section 124 (3) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 states a person shall be disqualified from receiving a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension for as long as he/she cohabiting with another person as a couple. The person concerned was refused a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension on the 4th March 2020 on the grounds that he was cohabiting.

The person concerned appealed the decision of the Deciding Officer to the Independent Chief Appeals Officer. The Appeals Officer upheld the decision of the Deciding Officer on the 7th July 2020.

The person concerned informed the Appeals Officer that he had now changed address and requested his widowers pension be reviewed. The Deciding Officer wrote to the person concerned and requested that he furnish the Department with proof of his current address. However, he has not responded to date.When the requested information is available to the Deciding Officer, further consideration can then be given to his claim, and he will be notified of outcome without delay.

If the person concerned is in financial need, he may qualify for supplementary welfare allowance. Full details of this allowance is available from the designated person (formerly known as a Community Welfare Officer), based at their local Social Welfare/Intreo Office.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.