Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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531. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the process to date in the determination of an application for a State pension in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9516/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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According to the records of my Department, the person concerned reached pension age on 1 November 2012 but has not yet applied for State pension (contributory).

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 entitlement to State pension (contributory) can be determined and they will be notified of the outcome.

Another option is the Increase for qualified adult payment. As the person’s spouse is in receipt of State pension (contributory), the person concerned may qualify for an Increase for qualified adult (IQA) payable with their spouse’s pension. This is a means-tested payment, payable to a State pension (contributory) recipient whose spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where that qualified adult’s personal means from any source does not exceed a means test income limit.

The rate of IQA depends on the rate of State pension (contributory) in payment to the primary pensioner and on the IQA means test. The means test for IQA is assessed on the qualified adult’s means, solely or jointly held (50% of jointly-held means).

Where a qualified adult is assessed with weekly means of less than €100, the maximum rate of IQA is payable. Where assessable weekly means are over €100 and not more than €310, a tapering reduced rate of IQA is payable. If the qualified adult has means of more than €310 per week, this exceeds the means limit and there is no entitlement to an IQA payment.

I have therefore arranged for an application form to issue for the IQA payment, if the person’s spouse wishes to apply for this Increase on their State pension (contributory) in respect of the person concerned. Eligibility will be determined on receipt of a completed application form.

Where eligibility is established for both the State pension (contributory) in the person's own right and for the IQA payment on their spouse's pension, the more financially beneficial rate of payment will be awarded.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.