Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

456. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will review the State pension entitlement of a person (details supplied) on a total contribution approach, having regard to all their paid and credited contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15048/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The person concerned reached pension age on 13 July 2022.

They were assessed as having a total of 1,351 qualifying paid and credited social insurance contributions from their date of entry into insurable employment in 1974 to 2022, giving a yearly average of 28. The State Pension (contributory) was awarded from 13 July 2022 at the currently weekly rate of €225.90 which equates to 85% of the full rate payment.

Entitlement using the Total Contributions Approach was also assessed at the time. Based on information available, the person concerned was entitled to 82.47% of the full rate payment. It was financially more beneficial, however, for them to receive the pension awarded based on the yearly average.

My Department has undertaken a further review of entitlement. A total of 677 Home Caring periods have now been included. This gives entitlement to State Pension (contributory) from 13 July 2022 at the current weekly rate of €258.70 which equates to 97.5% of the full rate payment. This will be paid to the person's nominated bank account and any arrears due will be paid without delay. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 24 March 2023.

My Department are undertaking a further review of the contribution record for the period 1975 to 1979. Upon completion of this review, entitlement of the person concerned to a higher rate will be examined and they will be notified in writing of the decision.

Also, if the person concerned considers that they have additional contributions or credits that have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence to my Department and their pension entitlement can be reviewed.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.