Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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151. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the capital value or rental income was used when assessing the means on the non-contributory pension review for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8489/22]

Heather 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, at application stage and through the lifetime of a claim, an applicant must provide full and up to date details of any income(s), asset(s), savings and investment(s) held and inform the Department of any relevant changes in their circumstances that may affect their pension entitlement.   

Where a person leaves their home on a temporary basis, or for an indefinite period for care reasons,  the capital value of their home is not assessed as means unless it is put to profitable use.  Where their home is put to profitable use (for example, rented out) then the capital value of the house is assessed as means.

The person concerned is in receipt of state pension (non-contributory) since 5 April 1996.  A means-review questionnaire was issued to the person on 27 October 2021 to determine if they were receiving their correct weekly pension entitlement.  Following an assessment of the means of the person, which took into account their savings and the capital value of their rented property, a Deciding Officer deemed that the person’s means exceed the weekly permissible statutory limit.  A natural justice letter issued to the person concerned affording them the opportunity to furnish, within 21 days, any statement or evidence that they wished to make available to the Deciding Officer before a decision on their entitlement is finalised.

On 10 February 2022, the Deciding Officer suspended the person’s payment and issued a further letter, to again offer the person concerned the opportunity to submit any statement or evidence that they wished to furnish to the Deciding Officer before a final decision is made on their state pension (non-contributory) entitlement. 

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.