Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2019
231. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is eligible to receive an increased pension and arrears following a recent pension review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8527/19]
View answerSince late September 2018, my Department has been examining the social insurance records of approximately 90,000 pensioners, born on or after 1 September 1946, who have a reduced rate State pension contributory entitlement on post Budget 2012 rate-bands. These payments are being reviewed under a new Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pension calculation which includes provision for homecaring periods. My Department has already written to these pensioners to explain the process.
Where possible, my Department will use information already held to assist in these reviews. Additional information will be requested in writing from pensioners in relation to unexplained gaps in their social insurance record where required to complete their review.
Following a review of the social insurance record of the person concerned some unexplained gaps have been found in her social insurance record. A letter has issued to the person concerned requesting details of any periods of time spent in a parenting or caring capacity. Included in the letter are details on how to return the required information using the Department’s online services. This is the quickest and easiest way to provide the information required to complete the review. The letter also provides a dedicated telephone number to call if the person concerned has any difficulty using the online application. If the difficulties cannot be resolved over the phone, a paper application form will be sent to the pensioner for compilation.
On receipt of the requested information, the person’s state pension (contributory) pension will be reviewed and they will be informed of the outcome in writing. If an increase is due, it will be backdated to 30 March 2018. If no increase is due, the person concerned will continue to receive their current weekly rate of pension.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
