Bernard Durkan
Question:249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) has an entitlement to a State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60886/21]
View answerThursday, 9 December 2021
Questions (249)
Written answers
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned reached pension age on 1 November 2012 and has not yet applied for State pension (contributory). 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).
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 State pension (contributory) entitlement can be examined by a Deciding Officer and they will be notified of the outcome.
The person concerned applied for the means-tested residency-based State pension (non-contributory) on 5 November 2021. Based on the information provided with their application, they do not qualify for this pension. Their assessed weekly means (half the assessable means of the couple) exceed the current statutory limit for State pension (non-contributory). The family home is not included in the means assessment.
The person’s spouse may wish to apply for an Increase for qualified adult (IQA) payment on their State pension (contributory) in respect of the person concerned. An IQA is a means-tested payment, payable to State pension (contributory) claimants whose spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where that qualified adult’s personal means from any source does not exceed a means test income limit. Where property or assets are held jointly, the qualified adult's means are assessed as half of the total amount. Again, the family home is not included in the means assessment. On receipt of a completed application, eligibility for an Increase for qualified adult can be determined by a Deciding Officer. I have arranged for an application form to issue to the person’s spouse.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.