Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
321. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons whose applications for a State pension (contributory) have been refused in each of the past three years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5746/22]
View answer322. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons whose applications for State pension (contributory) have been refused in each of the past three years to date but who have subsequently qualified for a pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5747/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 322 together.
Under current eligibility conditions, applicants must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory), based on their Irish contribution record. Calculation of an applicant’s entitlement to State pension (contributory) is based on their social insurance record from their date of entry into insurable employment until pension age, currently 66 years. Pension entitlement depends on factors such as a person’s social insurance record, their attachment to the workforce, and their countries of employment. Depending on an applicant’s individual social insurance history, their entitlement is assessed under a number of different tests to determine if they qualify for a pension. Where an applicant satisfies the criteria under more than one of these entitlement tests, the most financially beneficial rate of pension will ultimately be awarded.According to the most recent records of the Department as of 31 December 2021, there are some 46,000 cases where State pension (contributory) was disallowed between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2021 - typically, because the initial application based on their Irish insurance record did not satisfy the scheme conditions - and which were subsequently awarded and are in payment at 31 December 2021.
|
SPC claims disallowed and then awarded as at 31/12/2021 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
16,377 |
14,200 |
15,577 |
46,154 |
Please see below the most recent available figures for the number of State pension (contributory) claims which were disallowed in each of the past three years and remain disallowed. These figures do not include applicants who have since died. Recently disallowed figures in 2021 may include cases where entitlement is still being assessed under further tests, such as on the basis of applicants’ foreign employment records.
|
SPC claims disallowed and not awarded as at 31/12/2021 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
3,939 |
3,544 |
4,763 |
12,246 |
For those who do not qualify for the State pension (contributory), there are other State pension payments available, depending on an individual’s circumstances. State pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested, residency-based payment for persons of pension age, based on the applicant's share of assessable household means. The maximum rate payable equates to 95% of the maximum rate of state pension (contributory).
If a person’s spouse has a State pension (contributory), the person may qualify for an Increase for qualified adult (IQA) payable with their spouse’s pension (means-tested on their own means). The rate of IQA payable may amount to 90% of the maximum State pension (contributory), depending on the rate of State pension (contributory) in payment to the person’s spouse and the person’s own means, solely or jointly held.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
