Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 3 October 2013.

Her State Pension (Contributory) is awarded at the reduced weekly rate of €236.10. This is based on a total of 719 reckonable paid and credited contributions from 1978 to 2013 giving a yearly average of 21.

I have introduced a number of reforms to the State Pension including a provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years (1040 weeks). If the person concerned has been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years, she can apply for Long-Term Carers Contributions (LTCC). If the criteria are met, the equivalent of paid contributions may be attributed to cover gaps in her contribution record. The periods of care-giving do not need to be consecutive.

The quickest way to apply for LTCCs is online at MyWelfare.ie if the person has a verified MyGovID account. Further information is available on the Government website at gov.ie/pensions.

I have arranged for a copy of her insurance record to issue to the person concerned. If she considers that they have additional contributions or credits that have not been recorded, it is open to her to forward documentary evidence to Social Welfare Services, College Road, Sligo, F91 T384, and her pension entitlement can be reviewed.

Where a person aged 66 or over does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a State pension (contributory) or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, it is open to them to apply for the State Pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested payment with a maximum payment of €266.00 per week, which is over 95% of the maximum State pension (contributory).

Depending on their circumstances, the person concerned may be entitled to a living alone increase, the household benefits package (free television license and electricity or gas allowance) and the fuel allowance. I have arranged for application forms to issue. On receipt of the completed application forms, entitlement will be examined.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.