Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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287. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the time period that will be put in place for a decision in relation to the deprivation of savings to be reconsidered in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50805/22]

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, legally and 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.

An application for state pension (non-contributory) from the person concerned was awarded at reduced rate from 25 February 2022, taking into account deprivation of capital for pension entitlement purposes. The person's appeal against this decision was disallowed on 19 September 2022.

The legislation relating to the assessment of means from income and capital self-deprived of, directly or indirectly, for the purposes of qualifying for a state pension non-contributory, or a higher rate of pension, does not provide for a specific time limit in this assessment.

Should the circumstances of the person concerned change in the future, it is open to the person to seek a review of their state pension (non-contributory) claim.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.