Invalidity Pension Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

Questions (335)

Arthur Spring

Question:

335. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Social Protection the social benefit entitlements a person who entered the workforce prior to 1995 is entitled to, with special reference to invalidity pension, following the awarding of a change of status credits to that person and considering that the change of status credits are awarded back to the beginning of the contribution year during which that person's status changed and for the previous contribution year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33446/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Change of Status credits may be awarded when an insured person, following a period during which s/he was insured at a modified rate of contribution (e.g. PRSI Class B, C or D), commences employment that is insurable for State Pension (Transition) or State Pension (Contributory) purposes. These credits are reckonable only for the State Pension (Transition), the State Pension (Contributory) and the Bereavement Grant. The credits are awarded for the period between the beginning of the contribution year last preceding that in which s/he commenced such employment and the date of commencement of such employment. These credited contributions may be awarded on one occasion only.