Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
508. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is in receipt of their full pension entitlement given their working record; if a full breakdown of their pension contributions can be furnished to them in early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8261/22]
View answerSocial welfare legislation stipulates that a minimum of 520 full-rate paid contributions are required to qualify for standard State pension (contributory).
The person concerned reached pension age on 9 October 2021. They applied for State pension (contributory) on 24 August 2021. According to the records of my Department, they have a contribution record of nil full-rate paid social insurance contributions. Since they do not have the required minimum of 520 full-rate paid contributions, they do not qualify for standard State Pension (contributory). The person was notified in writing of this decision on 9 September 2021 and provided with a copy of their social insurance record on which the decision was based.
Since the person concerned was employed in the public sector for the tax years from 1979/80 to 2008 inclusive, during which period modified contributions (Class B) were payable, their entitlement to a mixed insurance pro rata State pension (contributory) was also examined, based on their combined modified and full-rate social insurance records.
To qualify for a mixed insurance pro rata State pension (contributory), a total of 520 contributions are required, of which a minimum of 260 must be full-rate paid contributions. Since the person concerned has nil full-rate paid contributions, they do not qualify for a mixed insurance pro rata pension. They were notified in writing of this decision on 9 September 2021 and provided with a copy of their social insurance record on which the decision was based.
I have arranged for a copy of the person’s social insurance contribution record to issue to them. If they consider that they have additional contributions from employment that have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence of the missing periods of employment to my Department and their pension entitlement will be reviewed.
The person’s eligibility for State pension (non-contributory) was also examined. Based on the information provided with their application, their weekly assessable means exceed the current statutory means limit. They were notified on 31 August 2021 that they do not qualify for State pension (non-contributory).
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
