Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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531. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will review the case of a person (details supplied). [4281/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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According to the records of my Department, the person concerned reached pension age on 17 June 2020. The person was invited to apply for State pension (contributory) on 25 January 2020 but has not yet applied for this pension. They are currently on another social welfare payment at maximum rate.

Under current eligibility conditions, an individual must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment. Factors such as an individual’s social insurance record, their attachment to the workforce, and their countries of employment affect the rate of pension entitlement.

I have arranged for a copy of the person’s social insurance contribution record to issue to them, together with an application form for State pension (contributory). On receipt of a completed application, the person’s State pension (contributory) entitlement can be examined by a Deciding Officer and they will be notified of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.