Charles Flanagan
Question:314 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline the reasons for the refusal of an old age pension to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
Written Answers. - Pension Application.
The person concerned, who is an old age pensioner, has been assessed as being the beneficial owner of a business premises. The premises in question was transferred to a son who works abroad. Subsequently, the premises were leased to relatives of the pensioner and his son.
Under social welfare legislation, a person who disposes of property in order to qualify for pension continues to be assessed with the income from that property for social welfare purposes.
It was decided, and this was confirmed on appeal to the independent social welfare appeals office, that the person should continue to be assessed as the beneficial owner of the business in question.
When the leasing arrangement was first introduced, the pensioner's means were assessed at £37.50 per week. The rent on the lease was increased subsequently and this increase resulted in a revised means assessment which took effect from 9 August 1991. The new means assessment means that the person is now entitled to a pension of £17.00 per week.
If the person concerned is dissatisfied with the recent decision, he can make a further appeal to the social welfare appeals office.
The pensioner's entitlement to old age contributory pension was also investigated but he does not satisfy the contribution conditions.