Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1027. 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); when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20032/22]

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. Their State pension (non-contributory) application was received on 5 November 2021 and their State pension (contributory) application on 28 February 2022.

The person concerned was awarded State pension (contributory) with effect from 6 May 2021, six months from the date of receipt of their earliest pension application. They were notified in writing of this decision and details of arrears due.

Current social welfare legislation on late claims stipulates that claims received on or after April 2012 may only be backdated for a maximum of six months.

Backdating of a late claim beyond six months will be considered in circumstances where the failure to claim arose as the result of either incorrect information having been supplied by my Department, or the claimant’s serious incapacity by illness or infirmity. In either case, relevant documentary evidence should be provided by the person concerned.

I hope that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.