Written answers

Wednesday, 14 October 2020

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

State Pension (Non-Contributory)

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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213. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on a matter relating to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30379/20]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, 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.

An application for state pension non-contributory was received from the person concerned on 6 July 2020. The case was referred to an Inspector of my Department to investigate the means of the person concerned. As the additional information requested by the Inspector on 8 September 2020 was not provided, the Inspector was unable to complete the means assessment.

As the means of the person was not known, the Deciding Officer was unable to establish if an entitlement to state pension (non-contributory) existed and the person's claim was disallowed. On 30 September 2020, the person concerned was notified in writing of this decision, the reason for the decision and their right if dissatisfied with the decision to request a review, or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

To date, there is no record of an appeal received from the person concerned.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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