Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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216. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied). [30766/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned applied for State pension (contributory) (SPC) on 30 June 2020.

State pension (contributory) was awarded at €32.30 per week, backdated six months from date of application to 30 December 2019, in line with social welfare legislation. The person was notified in writing of this decision on 6 July 2020 and arrears due were paid.

Since April 2012 payment of certain claims (including SPC) after due date, are only permitted for a period of six months. Backdating of a late claim beyond six months may be considered in circumstances where the delay in making a claim arose, as the result of either incorrect information having been supplied by my Department or the claimant’s inability to make a claim due to serious incapacity or infirmity. If the person concerned considers that either of these two circumstances can be applied to them, then they should forward documentary evidence to my Department and their case will be reviewed and they will be notified of the outcome in writing.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.