Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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491. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will made on a pension application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4304/23]

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 the Department of any changes that may affect their pension entitlement.

An application for state pension (non-contributory) was received from the person concerned on 11 October 2022.  On 21 October 2022, the case was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector to investigate the means of the person, so that their pension entitlement could be assessed.  The Inspector has contacted the person regarding this investigation. 

The Inspector has been requested to expedite completion of the investigation.  On receipt of their report, a Deciding Officer will make a determination on their eligibility for state pension (non-contributory) and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome in writing. 

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.