Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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630. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will abolish the means test for persons in receipt of a State pension who have a disability, in view of the unprecedented increase in energy costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54108/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Entitlement to the State Pension (Contributory) is based on a person's social insurance record and the personal rate of payment is not subject to a means assessment. Only the spouse or partner of the claimant is means tested.

If a person's social insurance record does not qualify them for a State Pension (Contributory), they can apply for a means-assessed State Pension (Non-Contributory).

The means assessment reflects the fact that there is an expectation that people with reasonable amounts of income or capital are in a position to use these resources to support themselves, so that expenditure can be directed towards those who need it most.

This is an important function of the social protection system, and the means assessment is therefore vital in supporting the most vulnerable.

In response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, my Department will spend approximately €1.2 billion during the coming months to help individuals and families through this difficult period.

Recipients of State Pensions - both Contributory and Non-Contributory - were eligible for the Autumn Cost of Living Double Payment paid last month, as well as the Christmas Bonus in December.

People in receipt of a State Pension may also be eligible for other targeted payments to help with increased costs such as the €200 payment to people in receipt of Living Alone Allowance, a €500 payment to carers and a €400 payment to those in receipt of the Fuel Allowance.

A further measure to assist pensioners with energy costs which I announced as part of the Social Protection Budget Package is a new means test for Fuel Allowance for people aged over 70. This change will mean that a single person aged over 70 can have income of up to €500 per week and qualify for fuel allowance, while a couple can have income of up to €1,000 per week.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.