Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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129. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is currently eligible for any form of State pension; the reason she was refused access to the State pension in her previous application. [52134/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned applied for state pension (transition), a social insurance-based pension (discontinued in 2014) on 5 February 2013.  They were as assessed as having 375 paid insurance contributions, falling short of the minimum requirement of 520.  The application was disallowed on 19 February 2013 and the person was notified of the decision.

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, cash income, including any additional pension(s), the value of any property (excluding a person’s own home), and the value of any savings and investments which a person or their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant hold or co-hold, are assessable. 

An application for state pension non-contributory was received from the person concerned on 4 February 2014.  Following their assessment, the Deciding Officer determined that the weekly means of the person concerned exceeded the then permissible statutory weekly limit, of €245.00.  The person was notified of this decision on 11 March 2014, together with the reason(s) for the decision and their right, if dissatisfied, to a review of, or to appeal the decision. 

The current state pension (non-contributory) weekly means limit is €267.50, increasing to €280 from January 2023.  If the person's circumstances have changed, it is open to them to re-apply for state pension non-contributory (by submitting an application (SPNC1) to: the Department of Social Protection, College Road, Sligo).  Following an assessment of their eligibility, the person will be notified of the outcome in writing.  

Separately, it is open to the spouse of the person concerned to claim an increase for qualified adult in respect of the person concerned, which is a means tested payment.  It is also open to the spouse of the person concerned to apply for state pension (non-contribution) in their own right.  The higher of the two entitlements is payable to the person concerned, and to their spouse.     

Application forms for both state pension (non-contributory) and qualified adult increase have been sent to the person concerned, if they and/or their spouse wish to apply.   

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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130. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52145/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from 15 September 2022.  Payment will issue to his nominated bank account on 27 October 2022.  Any arrears due from 15 September 2022 to 26 October 2022 (less any overlapping social welfare payment) will issue in due course.  The person in question was notified of this decision on 17 October 2022.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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131. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52147/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. 

An application for IP was received from the person concerned on 26 August 2022.  In order to establish medical suitability two forms were sent to her on 26 September 2022.  On receipt of the completed forms, the IP claim will be processed as quickly as possible and she will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.