John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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506. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for the State pension non-contributory, now under review for a person (details supplied) will be expedited and approved; and if the further information submitted offering clarity on farm income will be examined as soon as possible [42733/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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, cash income, including income from employment, foreign pensions, the value of any property (excluding a person’s own home), and the value of any savings and investments which a person or their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant holds, are assessable.

A recent review of the person’s state pension non-contributory was completed on 26 September 2024. When calculating their entitlement, the Deciding Officer has included the income from the person's farm in the assessment of means, as the person concerned is the registered owner of the farm.

It was determined that their weekly means exceeded the permissible statutory weekly limit of €292.50, and their payment was terminated.

The person concerned was notified of this decision on 26 September 2024, together with the reasons for the decision and their right, if dissatisfied with the decision, to request a review of the decision, or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Should there be a change in the person’s circumstances, it is open for them to seek a review of their entitlement at that time.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.