Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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386. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will review a State pension rate for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45874/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Widow’s, widower’s or surviving civil partner’s non-contributory pension (WNCP) is a residency-based means tested payment. All income and earnings, including pensions, capital and property excluding their own home, is assessable as means. A person is obliged to declare all their income and notify the Department in writing of any change in their circumstances.

For the purposes of the means-test, it is necessary for applicants to provide full details of any income(s), assets, savings and investments they hold. Following the award of pension, a reporting obligation continues to apply whereby the pension recipient must notify the Department in a timely manner of any change in their circumstances that may impact on their pension entitlement.

The means of the person concerned was last reviewed on 18 October 2019. The means established were derived from a pension received from the UK. The employment of the person concerned was also assessed at that time, but was below the applicable weekly disregard of €100.00. The means from capital of the person concerned was also below the applicable disregard of €20,000.

The Deputy's representation will be taken as a request for review. In this regard, a review questionnaire has issued to the person concerned. On return of the means details, a Deciding Officer will review the person’s pension entitlement. The person concerned will be notified of the review outcome, in writing.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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387. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a review of the State pension (contributory) for a person (details supplied) will take place. [45900/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 03 January 2022. An application for State Pension (contributory) was received on 18 January 2022.

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.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 406 paid full-rate social insurance contributions. Since their contributions fall short of the requisite 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for State pension (contributory).

They were notified in writing of this decision on 01 February 2022, provided with a copy of their social insurance record on which the decision was based, and afforded the right of review and/or appeal. Upon receipt of further information, a review of their contribution history record can be carried out and their entitlement to State Pension (contributory) re-examined, if applicable.

It is also open to them to apply for State Pension (non-contributory). This is a means-tested payment with the maximum rate set at approximately 95% of the state pension (contributory) rate.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.