Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 January 2019
243. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the changes announced recently to the contributory pension will have an affect on the entitlement of a person (details supplied) to the State pension (contributory); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3224/19]
View answerThe recently enacted changes to state pension (contributory) apply to people born on or after 1 September 1946 who have a reduced rate pension entitlement, based on post Budget 2012 rate bands. The pensions of these people are currently under review to determine if they are now due increased payments.
No changes were made to the qualifying conditions for the state pension (contributory) scheme. For example, the minimum of 520 paid social insurance contributions remains a condition of the scheme.
The person concerned was disallowed a state pension (contributory) in 2013, as they did not have the required 520 paid social insurance contributions. According to the records of the Department, the person has a total of 390 contributions from their date of entry into insurable employment to their 66th birthday. Accordingly, the person does not hold an entitlement to state pension (contributory) and cannot be included in the pension reviews underway.
The person concerned was advised of the option to apply for state pension (non-contributory) in the letter which issued in May 2013. The person concerned continues to be entitled to make a claim for state pension (non-contributory), which is a means tested payment. On receipt of a completed application, her entitlement will be assessed by my Department and the person notified of the outcome in writing.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
