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State Pension (Contributory) Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 May 2017

Wednesday, 31 May 2017

Questions (167)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

167. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will address an anomaly whereby a person (details supplied) who is living alone can be denied a living alone allowance in view of the fact they are in receipt of a qualified adult payment on their partner's pension but 80% of this pension is being taken as part of a fair deal agreement due to the fact the partner is in a nursing home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26103/17]

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Written answers

State pension (contributory) is a qualifying payment for receipt of living alone increase, payable to primary claimants where the eligibility conditions are met. The increase is not payable to qualified adults of primary claimants.

On 1 February 2017, a form to facilitate direct payment of the qualified adult portion of the spouse’s total pension entitlement was issued to the person concerned. There is no record of that form being returned. A second form has been issued to the person concerned. On return of the completed form, arrangements will be made to immediately direct the qualified adult portion of their spouse’s state pension (contributory) to them, by their preferred payment method.

In addition, the person concerned may wish to make an application for state pension (non-contributory) in their own right. An application form for this means tested payment has also been sent to the person concerned.

Following assessment of entitlement, the person concerned will be awarded the most financially beneficial rate of payment. As a primary claimant, the person concerned would then be eligible to apply for an increase for living alone, if the eligibility conditions are met.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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