James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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243. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will examine a pension query (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20238/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Pension entitlement can only be assessed on the basis of the eligibility conditions applicable on the date an individual reaches State Pension age. 

Currently, a person who has 2080 paid or credited contributions, or who has in excess of 520 contributions with a yearly average of 48 or more contributions since they entered the social insurance system, would qualify for the full rate State Pension (Contributory).  A person who does not meet the requirements for a full rate pension may be paid a lower rate commensurate with their social insurance record where they exceed the minimum contribution threshold. 

A person reaching pension age on or after 1st January 2024 can choose to defer access to the State Pension (Contributory) up to age 70 and receive a cost neutral actuarial increase in their State Pension payment.  This system also provides for a person to continue to pay social insurance contributions after State Pension age to improve their social insurance record for State Pension (Contributory) purposes.  These PRSI contributions may enable individuals without a full contribution record (and who have deferred access to the State Pension) to become entitled to the State Pension (Contributory), or increase the pension rate of payment, as a consequence of the additional paid contributions.  These measures will become effective from January 2024.

As State Pension Contributory is not means-tested, a person can draw down their pension entitlement while continuing to work and this will not impact on their weekly rate or payment.

It is advisable that all contributors maintain their social insurance record as fully as possible over their working life.  It is open to the person concerned to request a copy of their social insurance record from my Department.  In addition to seeking the record through normal postal means from PRSI Records, Department of Social Protection, McCarter's Road, Ardaravan, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, a person can also access their social insurance record in real-time online at MyWelfare.ie if they have a verified MyGovID account.  Information on getting a verified MyGovID account is available on www.mygovid.ie.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.