Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
313 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the old age non-contributory pension of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been reduced; and the breakdown of the calculations in this case. [29236/04]
View answerThe person concerned is currently in receipt of widow's non-contributory pension at the rate of €126.50 a week. This is a means tested payment and all income, including income from other pensions, is assessable as means. Where the means of non-contributory pensioners change for any reason, they are obliged to inform my Department so that the rate of pension may be adjusted accordingly.
The person concerned is also in receipt of a British retirement pension. In seeking a review of her entitlement to widow's non-contributory pension, she gave details of an increase in the British pension since her means were last reviewed in 1999. Her current weekly rate of British retirement pension is £31.72 per week. Her current means are calculated as follows:
|
British Pension |
|
|
€ |
|
|
£31.72 Stg X €1.44476 X 52 = |
2,383.04 |
|
Amount assessable |
2,348.23 |
|
Holding |
|
|
Net yearly Value (as before) |
126.97 |
|
Total Yearly Means |
2,475.20 |
|
Total Weekly Means |
47.60 |
Her widow's non-contributory pension is now due to be reduced to €114.00 per week and arrangements are being made to implement this. Her new weekly rate of pension is the rate appropriate to a person with means of €47.60 per week. She will also continue to receive fuel allowanceof €9 per week. The person concerned is also in receipt of electricity allowance, telephone allowance under the household benefit scheme and free travel.
In reviewing her claim, her entitlement to a living alone allowance was also examined and an allowance of €7.70 per week has been awarded to her with effect from 16 January 2004, the Friday following her 66th birthday. Arrangements are being made to have arrears due in respect of this issued to her. Notification of the revised decision on means and of her right of appeal will be forwarded to the person concerned shortly.
Under social welfare legislation, decisions about claims are made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.
