Brendan Griffin
Question:586. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be granted a payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37033/22]
View answerTuesday, 12 July 2022
Questions (586)
Written answers
The person concerned is currently in receipt of the maximum rate Carers Allowance. This allowance can be paid concurrently with certain social welfare payments where the qualifying conditions for both schemes are satisfied.
The person concerned reached pension age on 18 March 2022. An application for State pension (contributory) was received on 24 May 2022. According to the records of my Department, they have a contribution record of 371 paid full-rate social insurance contributions. As these contributions fall short of the required 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for standard State pension (contributory). If the person concerned considers they have 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
The person concerned may wish to consider applying for State pension (non-contributory). This is a means-tested, residency-based payment for people of pension age. The maximum personal rate is approximately 95% of the maximum rate of contributory pension.
It is also open to them to apply for a Qualified Adult allowance on their spouses pension. This rate is equivalent to approximately 90% of the maximum rate of state pension An increase for qualified adult (IQA) is a means-tested payment, payable to a claimant whose spouse, civil partner or cohabitant is being wholly or mainly maintained by them, and where that qualified adult’s personal means from any source does not exceed a means test income limit.
Where an applicant qualifies for either of these payments, the applicant would be entitled to receive the payment with the Carers Allowance paid at half the weekly rate.
I have arranged for application forms for State Pension non-contributory and Increase for Qualified Adult to issue to the person concerned along with a copy of their insurance record.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.