Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
492. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was means tested twice within a year; if the person is receiving the correct pension amount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44084/21]
View answerState pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record. For the purposes of the means-test, at the outset and at any review intervals during the lifetime of the claim, a claimant must provide, on request, full and up to date details of any income(s), assets, savings and investments they may hold. Appropriate review intervals are determined by Deciding Officers, taking into account the circumstances of each case.
The person concerned is in receipt of state pension non-contributory since 20 May 2005. A means review questionnaire was issued to the person on 14 September 2019, to determine if they were receiving their correct weekly pension entitlement. Following review, a revised decision was made and notified to the person concerned on 23 November 2019.
On 20 July 2020, the person concerned requested a change of payment method, from collection at their Post Office to direct payment to the account in a financial institution and their claim was scheduled for means review in July 2021. A means questionnaire issued on 7 July 2021. On 28 August 2021, the Deciding Officer requested further documentation and subsequently discussed the matter with the person concerned on 7 September 2021, clarifying the information required in order to assess their correct state pension entitlement.
On receipt the Deciding Officer will complete their review and notify the person concerned in writing of the outcome. If the person is dissatisfied with the decision, they can request a review of the decision, or appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
