Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

443. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures that can be taken in the case of a person (details supplied) who falls short of the required contributions for their State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28579/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The person concerned reached pension age on 21 July 2014.

Under current eligibility conditions, an individual must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for a rate of State pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment. According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 470 full-rate contributions. Since their contributions fall short of the requisite contributions, they do not currently qualify for the standard State pension (contributory).

A number of reforms were introduced to the State pension (contributory) including a provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years (1,040 weeks). If the person concerned has provided care for over 20 years, it is open to them to apply for long-term carer contributions (LTCC). Periods of caregiving do not need to be consecutive. If the criteria are met, the equivalent of paid contributions may be attributed to cover gaps in their contribution record for State pension (contributory).

If there has been a change in the means of the person concerned since their last review in 2024, it is open to them to request a review of their increase for a qualified adult allowance. It is also open to them to apply for the means-tested State pension (non-contributory). The maximum rate is equivalent to 95% of the maximum rate of State pension (contributory).

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

444. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to carry out a review of the pension entitlements of a person (details supplied). [28772/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The person concerned was awarded state pension (transition) based on a yearly average of 41 contributions. This gave entitlement to 98% of the maximum rate of pension from 14 September 2012.

Following a review, it has been decided that the person concerned is entitled to the maximum rate of state pension (contributory) with effect from 30 March 2018. Any arrears due will issue on 6 June 2025.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.