Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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413. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the State pension (non-contributory) for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59023/22]

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, 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 was received from the person concerned on 27 October 2022.

On 7 November 2022, a request for information issued to the person concerned in order that their weekly means can be assessed.

On receipt of the required information, the person's eligibility for state pension non-contributory will be examined and they will be notified in writing of the outcome without delay.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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414. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the State pension (non-contributory) for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59025/22]

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, 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, at initial application stage and throughout the lifetime of the pension claim, an applicant must provide full and up to date details of any income(s), asset(s), savings and investment(s) held, and notify any changes that occur that may affect their pension entitlement.

An application for state pension non-contributory was received from the person concerned on 27 July 2022. On 22 August 2022, the case was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector to investigate the means of the person concerned, so that their entitlement to pension could be properly assessed.

The Inspector confirmed that the person concerned has been contacted in relation to the means investigation. The Inspector has been requested to expedite completion of the investigation and return of their report, to enable a Deciding Officer to determine the entitlement of the person concerned to state pension non-contributory without further delay.

The person concerned will be notified of the outcome in writing.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.