Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
481. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection the outcome of an application made for a contributory old age pension by a person (details supplied); when the person can expect to receive a first payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39893/20]
View answerThe person concerned reached pension age on 24 October 2020. They applied for State pension (contributory) on 24 July 2020. Since the person had a record of self-employment, their claim was referred to my Department’s Client Eligibility Service (CES) on 15 September 2020 to confirm their social insurance record, as is normal practice in self-employment cases.
The case was referred to Scope Section on 6 October 2020 to clarify the appropriate PRSI class due for the tax years 1994/95 to 2019.
The role of the Scope section is to make statutory decisions on insurability of employment under social welfare legislation. Scope decisions are based on all available evidence, including a report from a social welfare inspector where required.
The person’s file was referred to a social welfare inspector on 16 October 2020 and a report is awaited. Scope section has been requested to expedite the necessary enquiries. Once this information is received, the person’s social insurance record can be verified and their consequent eligibility for State pension (contributory) determined. The person concerned will be notified of a decision as soon as possible.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
