Michael Creed
Question:888. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to arrears of a contributory pension. [31368/21]
View answerTuesday, 15 June 2021
Questions (888)
Written answers
The person concerned reached pension age on 12 October 2020. An application for State pension (contributory) was received on 23 April 2021. Determination of pension eligibility depends on the individual nature of an applicant’s circumstances. From the information available to my Department, the person concerned has a self-employment record since the 1995/96 tax year.
Under social welfare legislation, a self-employed contributor will not be regarded as satisfying the contribution conditions for State pension (contributory) unless the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one contribution year prior to reaching pension age (currently 66 years), and until all self-employment contributions payable have been paid.
The person’s application was disallowed on 20 May 2021 as they had self-employment liabilities outstanding for the 2018 and 2019 tax years. They were advised to contact my Department when these liabilities were paid. Confirmation of payment has been received on behalf of the person concerned and their self-employment record is currently being verified to update their social insurance record.
The pension entitlement of the person concerned will then be reviewed by a Deciding Officer who will notify them of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.