Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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418. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason that a person (details supplied) has had their State pension (non-contributory) reduced; if this will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59062/22]

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. For the purposes of the means-test, at application stage and through the lifetime of a claim, an applicant must provide full and up to date details of any income(s), asset(s), savings and investment(s) held and inform the Department of any relevant changes in their circumstances that may affect their pension entitlement.

Following a recent review of the person’s state pension non-contributory entitlement, the Deciding Officer determined that the person's weekly means had increased since the previous review and made a revised decision on the weekly pension entitlement of the person concerned.

The person concerned was notified of this revised decision on 8 November 2022 and provided with a breakdown of the revised means assessment.

The person concerned was also informed of their right, if dissatisfied with the decision, to request a review, or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Following on from the Deputy's representations and the additional information provided as part of this request for review, a Deciding Officer will re-examine the facts of the case and the person’s state pension entitlement. The outcome of the review will issue, in writing, directly to the person concerned without delay.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.