The person concerned is currently in receipt of maximum rate widows Pension for a person under 66 years payable at €208.50 per week. From 20 December 2019, the person concerned will qualify for the maximum rate widows pension for a person 66 years and over, payable at a rate of €248.30 per week. This payment rate is equivalent to the maximum rate of state pension (contributory).
In order to establish a person’s entitlement to state pension (contributory), a completed pension application form must be lodged with the Department and the social insurance record of the person concerned examined by a Deciding Officer. According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has not lodged a pension application form to date with the Department.
I hope that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.