Written answers

Wednesday, 16 November 2022

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

State Pensions

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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136. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if State Pension (Contributory) and (Non-Contributory) applications were made by a person (details supplied); if so, the outcome of the applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57004/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned applied for a State Pension (Contributory) in 2011. At that time, an individual was required to have had 260 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). According to the records of my department they had 144 paid full rate social insurance contributions. Since their contributions fell short of the requisite 260 paid full-rate contributions, they did not qualify for State pension (contributory).

The person’s record was requested from the Department of Work and Pensions in the UK. One of the qualifying conditions for the State Pension (contributory) under EU Regulations is that a combined average of at least 10 paid or credited full rate Irish and EU social insurance contributions from entry into insurable employment to the end of the last tax year before their 66th birthday is required. According to the records, the person concerned had a combined yearly average of 7. As they did not meet the required average of at least 10 paid or credited contributions, they did not qualify for State pension (contributory) under EU Regulations.

They were notified in writing of these decisions, provided with a copy of their social insurance record on which the decisions were based, and afforded the right of review and/or appeal. There is no record of an appeal.

Their entitlement to an EU mixed rata state pension (contributory) based on their Irish and UK contributions was recently examined. The person concerned was awarded this pension from 25/11/2011 at the current weekly rate of €10.30. A letter has issued to the person concerned requesting their bank details. On receipt of the requested information their claim will be processed, and arrears issued.

The State Pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested payment with the maximum rate set at approximately 95% of the state pension (contributory) rate. An application for state pension (non-contributory) was received on 30 November 2021. Following an assessment of their means, the Deciding Officer determined that the weekly means of the person concerned exceeded the permissible statutory weekly limit of €262.50, and their application was disallowed.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 7 December 2021, together with the reasons for the decision and their right of review and/or appeal. There is no record of an appeal.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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137. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when assessing the contributory pension for a person (details supplied) if contributions from the UK have been requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57005/22]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned submitted an application for a State Pension (Contributory) on 7 September 2022.

A copy of their record was requested from the Department of Work and Pensions in the UK. On receipt of this record on 15 November 2022 their entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory) under EU Regulations was examined.

A qualifying condition for State Pension (Contributory) under EU Regulations is that the person must have at least 520 paid full rate social insurance contributions in the EU countries before their 66th birthday. According to the records, the person concerned has a combined total of 443 Irish and EU paid full rate contributions. Since their contributions fall short of the requisite 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for State pension (contributory) under EU Regulations.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 15 November 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.

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 have arranged for a form to issue to them.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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