Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
365. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will clarify the entitlement to the State pension (contributory) of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60002/21]
View answerAccording to the records of my Department, the person concerned reached pension age on 16 December 2019 and has not yet applied for State pension. I have arranged for a copy of the person’s social insurance contribution record to issue to them, together with an application form for State pension (contributory). If the person concerned has any additional information to add to their contribution record they can contact Records Section, Department of Social Protection, McCarter's Road, Buncranna, Co Donegal.
Under current eligibility conditions an individual must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment. Factors such as an individual’s social insurance record, their attachment to the workforce, and their countries of employment affect the rate of pension entitlement.
On receipt of a completed application, the person’s pension entitlement can be examined by a Deciding Officer and they will be notified of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position.
