John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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468. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if named payments have been approved in the case of a person (details supplied); and if the long-term carer’s contribution, homemaker’s scheme and home caring periods were awarded in the context of the pension and other payments. [9391/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned reached pension age on 24 July 2022. An application for State pension (contributory) was received on 17 October 2024.

Long-Term Carers Contributions (LTCCs) are available to those who have provided full time care to incapacitated dependents for 20 years or more (1040 weeks). The person concerned was awarded 1216 LTCCs which were included in the pension calculation.

The State Pension (contributory) was awarded at the maximum weekly rate with effect from 17 April 2024. This included six months backdating from the date of application.

The increase for living alone allowance and the Household benefits package which comprises the Free TV license and electricity allowance were awarded from 28 June 2024 - the date the person confirmed they commenced living alone.

I have arranged for a Fuel allowance application to issue to the person concerned.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.