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

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 any changes that occur that may affect their pension entitlement.

On 23 March 2022, a Deciding Officer commenced a review of the person’s state pension non-contributory to ensure that the person was in receipt of the correct weekly rate of payment. A review questionnaire issued for completion and return. As no response was received, a further communication issued on 15 April 2022, requesting that the questionnaire be returned within 14 days, as failure to do so may result in the suspension of the person's pension payment.

On 19 May 2022, the Deciding Officer attempted to contact the person concerned by telephone but was not successful. As the requested information had not been received, under standard procedure, the person’s payment was suspended. On 29 June 2022, after a further waiting period, under standard procedure, the person’s state pension entitlement was terminated, as they had failed to disclose their means by not returning the questionnaire as requested and by not having made contact with the Department.

Following later contact on behalf of the person concerned, the review questionnaire was re-issued on 10 July 2023. On 3 August 2023, following receipt of the completed review questionnaire, the person’s weekly payment was reinstated and their case assigned to a Social Welfare Inspector to investigate their means, so that their entitlement to the correct rate of pension could be properly assessed.

The Inspector has confirmed that the person concerned will be contacted in relation to the means investigation in the coming days. The Inspector has been requested to expedite the completion of their investigation, to enable a Deciding Officer to determine the entitlement of the person concerned to state pension non-contributory without further delay.

The person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome of their state pension review and any due pension arrears will issued to them without delay.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.