Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
578. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeline for a decision on an application by a person (details supplied) for a State pension (non-contributory); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38062/22]
View answerState pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and 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, at application stage and 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 and inform the Department of any relevant changes in their circumstances that may affect their pension entitlement.
An application for state pension non-contributory by the person concerned was received on 15 February 2021. The application was disallowed on 6 May 2021, due to the person's non-disclosure of means following three requests by an Inspector of my Department.
The person concerned re-applied for pension on 3 December 2021. On 9 December 2021, the case was again referred to an Inspector to investigate the applicant's means. Relevant financial documentation has been requested on a number of occasions by the Inspector, most recently from the person's accountant on 31 May 2022. As the requested documentation has not been provided, it has not been possible to accurately assess the person’s weekly means required to determine their state pension (non contributory) entitlement, if any.
On 4 July 2022, the Deciding Officer sent a further request for the outstanding information to the person concerned and has arranged for an Inspector to again contact the person's accountant to seek the outstanding information. On receipt of the Inspector’s report, the Deciding Officer will finalise their decision on pension entitlement without delay and notify the person of the outcome in writing.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
