Seán Sherlock
Question:291. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied). [50851/22]
View answerThursday, 13 October 2022
Questions (291)
Written answers
State pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, 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. Ongoing eligibility for this pension is conditional on a claimant continuing to habitually reside in the state and continuing to satisfy the applicable means test.
One of the persons concerned is in receipt of state pension non-contributory, the other is in receipt of invalidity pension. A continuing eligibility review was initiated on 6 September 2022 in respect of the state pension (non-contributory) recipient and the case was assigned to a Social Welfare Inspector to investigate if they were permanently residing at their stated address.
The Inspector returned the case to the Deciding Officer on 12 September 2022, stating they were unable to contact the customer and therefore unable to confirm their residency situation. The Inspector's observation was that the property at the stated address appeared uninhabited. The Inspector also tried to contact the person at the number provided and was informed by the respondent that they were not the person concerned.
Based on the Inspector's report, the Deciding Officer suspended the state pension non-contributory payment and notified invalidity pension section of the Inspector’s findings, which resulted in the suspension of that payment also. This is standard procedure in such circumstances.
Where a person is experiencing financial hardship, the Community Welfare Service can facilitate urgent and in-person meetings, during business hours at over 50 Intreo Centres countrywide, including Cobh. Outside of business hours, Community Welfare Service can also facilitate an appointment within a reasonably short period, in response to a request at a mutually agreed location or the person's home. In addition, any person who needs to access the Community Welfare Service can call the recently established National CWS freephone number at 0818 60 70 80.
The Department understands that one of the persons concerned visited the Cobh Intreo Centre on two separate occasions and was informed and offered a Supplementary Welfare Allowance application form, which they declined.
The person concerned sent an email to state pension non-contributory section on 6 October 2022, attaching documentation indicating that they, and their partner, were residing at the stated address. On foot of this, the Department has reactivated both payments, which are available for collection at the persons' nominated Post Office this week, together with due arrears.
The Social Welfare Inspector has been requested to interview the persons concerned regarding their residency situation and will be in contact with them over in the coming days in this regard.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.