John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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282. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is in receipt of their full State pension. [26485/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Earnings from employment, self employment, occupational pensions, and foreign pensions are assessed as means. The value of any property (excluding a person’s own home), savings and investments which a person or their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant holds, are also assessed.

The person concerned is in receipt of state pension non-contributory. Based on their assessed weekly means, they are entitled to a reduced-rate weekly pension of €223.00, together with a living alone increase, telephone support allowance and a fuel allowance (payable during the winter season).

Their current rate of payment is based on a questionnaire and declaration completed by the claimant in April 2022. If their circumstances have changed since then, they should contact the Department with the relevant information to ensure that they are in receipt of the correct rate of payment.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.