The new Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pension calculation includes provision for homecaring periods. When launching the interim TCA in January 2018, I stated the approach was expected to significantly benefit many people, particularly women, whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, while raising families or in a caring role. While I can’t comment on the expectations of others, I believe it is fair to say that the introduction of TCA has benefitted many people, particularly women.
Since late September 2018, my Department examined the social insurance records of over 90,000 pensioners, born on or after 1 September 1946, who had a reduced rate State pension contributory entitlement based on post-Budget 2012 rate bands. To date, of those who received an increase, 74% are women.
Reviews commenced from 13 February 2019, the day after I signed the necessary Regulations. As at 16 October 2019, 94,244 reviews are completed. Of these, 53,080 are women and 41,164 are men. Of the 53,080 women, 28,520 (54%) received an increase while the rest remain on their existing rate. Of the 41,164 men, 9,955 (24%) received an increase and the remainder continue to receive their same rate of payment.
The latest information available on the detailed breakdown requested is that, at the end of September 2019:
- 21% of those who received an increase received a weekly increase of €30 or more;
- 32% received a weekly increase of between €20 and €30;
- 10% received an increase of between €10 and €20;
- with the highest proportion, 37%, receiving an increase of up to €10 per week.
Of those awarded an increase of less than €10 following review, 7,662 are now in receipt of the maximum rate of state pension (contributory).
