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State Pensions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021

Thursday, 21 October 2021

Questions (243)

Bríd Smith

Question:

243. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address a series of matters in relation to a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51970/21]

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Written answers

State 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; cash income, including foreign pensions, the value of any property (excluding a person’s own home), and the value of any savings and investments which a person or their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant holds are assessable.

The person concerned should submit a completed application in their own right for State pension (non-contributory), three months in advance of their 66th birthday.  Following assessment of their eligibility, the person will be notified directly in writing of the outcome of their application. 

In completing their application form, it is open to the person concerned to apply for an increase in respect of their spouse, who is currently on jobseekers allowance.  If the person qualifies for the increase and it is payable at a higher rate than their spouse's personal rate of jobseekers, their spouse will be transferred to the higher payment.  If qualified and the weekly rate is lower, their spouse will remain on their existing personal rate of jobseekers allowance payment. 

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. 

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