Brendan Griffin
Question:386. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review a State pension rate for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45874/22]
View answerTuesday, 20 September 2022
Questions (386)
Written answers
Widow’s, widower’s or surviving civil partner’s non-contributory pension (WNCP) is a residency-based means tested payment. All income and earnings, including pensions, capital and property excluding their own home, is assessable as means. A person is obliged to declare all their income and notify the Department in writing of any change in their circumstances.
For the purposes of the means-test, it is necessary for applicants to provide full details of any income(s), assets, savings and investments they hold. Following the award of pension, a reporting obligation continues to apply whereby the pension recipient must notify the Department in a timely manner of any change in their circumstances that may impact on their pension entitlement.
The means of the person concerned was last reviewed on 18 October 2019. The means established were derived from a pension received from the UK. The employment of the person concerned was also assessed at that time, but was below the applicable weekly disregard of €100.00. The means from capital of the person concerned was also below the applicable disregard of €20,000.
The Deputy's representation will be taken as a request for review. In this regard, a review questionnaire has issued to the person concerned. On return of the means details, a Deciding Officer will review the person’s pension entitlement. The person concerned will be notified of the review outcome, in writing.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.