John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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643. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the findings of a means test relative to an application for a non-contributory pension in the name of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed following a submission from the family’s accountant. [44178/24]

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 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. The Deciding Officer included in the assessment of means, when calculating their entitlement, income from farming, as the person’s spouse is the registered owner of the farm.

It was determined that the person's 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.

I can confirm that no further information relating to the case has been provided by the person’s accountant. However, the Deputy’s Parliamentary Question, has been accepted as a request for a review. A Deciding Officer will re-examine the person’s State pension non-contributory entitlement without delay.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.