Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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251. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the correct level of pension payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10652/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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State pension contributory is payable, from age 66, to applicants who satisfy certain eligibility conditions based on the number of social insurance contributions (paid or credited) they hold over their working life.  The records of my Department show that the person concerned has 223 paid social insurance contributions, which falls short of the required minimum of 520 paid contributions for entitlement to state pension contributory.  If the person considers that additional contributions have not been recorded on their contribution record, it is open to them to forward any documentary evidence they hold to my Department and their record will be reviewed.

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. 

The person concerned is in receipt of state pension non-contributory.  Their assessed weekly means currently entitles them to a reduced-rate pension of €199.00 per week, together with a living alone increase (€22.00), telephone support allowance (€2.50) and a fuel allowance (€33.00) which is payable during the winter season. 

The Deputy's representations will be taken as a request for a review to ensure the person concerned is in receipt of their correct pension entitlement.  The person should complete and return a review questionnaire, which has been issued to them, together with any necessary supporting documentation.  On receipt of the completed questionnaire, the person’s pension entitlement will be reviewed and they will be notified in writing of the outcome.  

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.