Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
909. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if the income from a person (details supplied) can be disregarded when reviewing the non-contributory pension award; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1074/22]
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, from application stage through the lifetime of a claim, an applicant must provide full and up to date details of any income(s), asset(s), savings and investment(s) held, including any changes that occur.
The person concerned is in receipt of state pension non-contributory since 29 August 2003. A means-review questionnaire was issued to the person on 1 July 2021, to determine if they were receiving their correct weekly pension entitlement. Following an assessment of the means of the person, which took into account their weekly income and that of their spouse, the Deciding Officer revised their rate of entitlemen with effect from 12 November 2021, as their means had increased. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 18 October 2021, together with the reason for the decision and their right, if dissatisfied with the decision, to request a review or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. There is no provision in social welfare legislation to disregard income which forms part of the state pension (non-contributory) means test.
Based on the current financial circumstances of the couple, it may be more financially beneficial for the spouse of the person concerned (currently in receipt of a state pension (contributory)) to claim state pension (non-contributory) in their own right, at this time as they may be entitlled to a non-contributory pension at a higher rate than thier contributory pension. To this end, on 13 January 2022, the Department has written to the spouse of the person concerned, enclosing an application for state pension (non-contributory) for completion and return if they wish to have their entitlement examined.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
