Michael Ring
Question:404 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be reassessed for an old age non-contributory pension. [14756/97]
Written Answers - Pension Entitlements.
The person concerned applied for an old age non-contributory pension on 23 July 1997. His application was refused on the grounds that his means - consisting of capital and income from his holding - exceeded the statutory limit of £ 70 per week.
Under the new improved capital means assessment which comes into effect for old age pensioners from 17 October 1997, the person concerned will be entitled to an old age non-contributory pension at a reduced rate from that date. He will be advised of his entitlement and payment will be made in good time.
Inquiries are also being made to establish if his current capital holding or the value of his holding would warrant a higher pension. His entitlement to relevant free scheme supplements will also be investigated.
He will be notified of the outcome of these inquiries as soon as possible.