Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
951. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether a full review can be undertaken into the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1326/24]
View answerThe person concerned reached pension age on 13 July 2015. An application for State Pension (contributory) was received on 27 July 2015.
There are a number of payments and pensions paid by my Department to people over State Pension Age. One of these is the State Pension (Contributory), qualification for which is based on several criteria, including that of a minimum of 520 qualifying contributions. For those who have paid the required contributions at a reckonable rate – including Class S (self-employed) - these will be used in the calculation of their entitlement.
A self-employed contributor is not regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory) unless the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one year prior to reaching age 66.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 226 full-rate contributions. The self-employment contributions were paid after the person concerned turned 66 and are therefore not reckonable for inclusion in the pension calculation. Since their reckonable contributions fall short of the requisite 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for State pension (contributory).
The person concerned sought a review of the decision to disallow the State Pension (contributory) in December 2019. Following the completion of the review, the person concerned was advised in writing in March 2020 that the decision to disallow State Pension (contributory) was upheld.
In June 2020, the person appealed the decision to disallow their State Pension (contributory). The Appeals Officer issued their decision in July 2020 disallowing the appeal.
Where a person aged 66 or over does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a SPC or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for one of the following:
• The means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory) (SPNC) which is a means-tested payment (based on their share of household means) with a maximum payment of 95% of the SPC; or
• An increase for a qualified adult (based on their own means), amounting up to 90% of a full rate SPC pension where their spouse has a contributory pension.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
