Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2022
317. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a statement of contributions regarding the eligibility of a person (details supplied) for the State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47002/22]
View answerThe date of birth of the person concerned is 18 March 1966 and under current eligibility conditions, they will reach pension age on 18 March 2032.
Pension entitlement can only be assessed on the basis of the eligibility conditions applicable on the date an individual reaches pension age. Factors such as an individual’s social insurance record, their attachment to the workforce, and their countries of employment affect the rate of pension entitlement. It is advisable that all contributors maintain their social insurance record as fully as possible over their working life.
Under current eligibility conditions, an individual must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment.
A comprehensive suite of information in relation to current state pension entitlements is available on www.gov.ie. Information is also available from my Department's offices and from the Citizens Information Services.
It is open to contributors to request a copy of their social insurance record from the Department at any time. In addition to seeking the record through normal postal means, a person can also access their social insurance record in real time online where they have a verified MyGovID account. Information on getting a verified MyGovID account is available on www.mygovid.ie. As the Deputy is aware, I also announced that a PRSI contribution statement service would be made available in the future as part of the reform of the State pension system.
I have arranged for a copy of the person’s social insurance contribution record to issue to them.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
