Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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650. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a couple (details supplied), whose sole income and means is their contributory pensions, is entitled to a top-up under the non-contributory scheme, given that their pensions are not at the maximum level. [44255/24]

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.

The person concerned is in receipt of the contributory state pension at the weekly rate of €271.90. This rate is higher than the maximum weekly rate of the non-contributory State pension and, therefore, it is financially beneficial for them to remain on the contributory state pension.

Their spouse is in receipt of the contributory state pension at the weekly rate of €255.70 and it may be financially beneficial for them to be on the non-contributory state pension.

In order for their entitlement to the non-contributory state pension to be examined, it is necessary for the second person concerned to complete and submit an SPNC1 application form, which has been issued to them by post. On receipt of the completed pension application, the person's eligibility will be examined, and they will be notified of the outcome.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.