Skip to main content
Normal View

State Pensions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022

Thursday, 10 February 2022

Questions (344)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

344. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if the home caring periods scheme can be taken into account for the State pension (contributory) application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7180/22]

View answer

Written answers

The person concerned reached pension age on 30 December 2021. They applied for State pension (contributory) on 5 October 2021. Under current eligibility conditions, an applicant must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for State pension (contributory). Credits cannot be used to satisfy this condition. 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment.

The person has a contribution record of 380 paid full-rate social insurance contributions. As their contributions fall short of the required 520 paid full-rate contributions to qualify for State pension (contributory), their claim was disallowed.

The person was notified in writing of this decision on 20 October 2021, and provided with a copy of their social insurance record on which the decision was based. If they consider that they have additional contributions or credits that have not been recorded, they should forward documentary evidence to my Department and their pension entitlement can be reviewed. The person concerned was advised also that they may wish to apply for a State Pension (Non-Contributory) which is based on their financial means, not their social insurance record.

HomeCaring Periods are used to improve an applicant’s rate of pension entitlement. They do not alter the qualifying conditions for State pension (contributory) and will not assist any person whose claim was disallowed for failure to fulfil the legislative condition of having a minimum of 520 paid contributions.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Top
Share