asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a refund of an old age non-contributory pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and when the new rate of pension will apply.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
115.
An appeals officer has decided that the person concerned is entitled to non-contributory old age pension at the weekly rate of £33.75 from 9 March 1987, increased to £35.10 from 24 July 1987. This is the rate to which he is entitled having regard to the assessment of his means, consisting of the weekly value of a house which is not personally used by him.
Unfortunately the notification of the appeals officer's decision which was issued to him indicated that he was entitled to an increase of pension in respect of his wife. He is not entitled to such an increase as his wife is in receipt of disability benefit in her own right.
The appeals officer's decision upheld the original decision made by the deciding officer in June last, so there are no arrears due in the case.
The person concerned has recently indicated that he has sold the house in question. In the circumstances the case has been sent to the social welfare officer for reinvestigation.