Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012
212. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection The number of women applicants who applied unsuccessfullys for the State contributory pension and were refused a pension based on changes to rules that were introduced this September.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40273/12]
View answerThe change in relation to State pension (contributory), introduced in legislation from 1st September 2012, sets out a wider graduation of yearly average bands and corresponding pension rates. The aim of this change is to ensure that the rate of pension payment is more closely related to the level of social insurance contributions a person has paid (including credited contributions, where applicable) over their working lives.
This change only applies to State pension (contributory) claimants whose 66th birthday falls on/after 1st September 2012, and who satisfy the qualifying conditions and are awarded this pension. There have been no disallowances of claims for State pension (contributory) arising from the 1st September 2012 change as outlined, either for male or female applicants.
