Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
456. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in processing pension entitlements from retired workers in the section 38 and 39 health employees and the voluntary hospital sector relative to their counterparts in the HSE; and if she will expedite a pension calculation for a person (details supplied). [5939/22]
View answerEntitlement to State pension (contributory) can only be assessed on the basis of the eligibility conditions applicable on the date an individual reaches pension age, upon receipt of a duly completed application. The person concerned was born in 1966 and has therefore not reached current state pension age.
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.
A person employed in the public sector as a permanent member of staff prior to the 6th of April 1995 would have paid a modified or reduced rate of PRSI. This reduced PRSI rate conveys entitlement only to Widow (er)'s and Orphan's Contributory Pensions and limited Occupational Injuries Benefits but is not reckonable for State pension (contributory) purposes, and therefore not included in the calculation of a standard State pension (contributory).
However, modified contributions can be combined with full-rate contributions and credits to give an entitlement to a mixed insurance pro rata State pension (contributory). In order to be eligible for this pension an applicant must have 260 full-rate paid contributions.
Public sector workers appointed since 6 April 1995 are insurable at Class A. They and their employers pay a higher rate of PRSI which are eligible for all social welfare benefits.
As the person concerned has not yet reached pension age, it is best advised to maintain their social insurance record as fully as possible over their working life. My Department has no record of receiving a request for a statement of contributions paid in respect of the person concerned, but I have arranged for one to issue.
Any queries regarding their Occupational pension is a matter for their employer.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
