Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
303. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the position in regard to the availability of the State pension and the living-alone allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51053/22]
View answerThe person concerned reached pension age on 12 October 2021.
An application for the State Pension (non-contributory) pension was received on 4 March 2022. The application was disallowed as their means exceeded the statutory limit. The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 21 March 2022.
Under current eligibility conditions for state pension (contributory), an individual must have at least 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for a standard contributory pension. As the person concerned was employed in the public sector, they can also be considered for a mixed insurance pension. To qualify for a mixed insurance pension, 520 employment contributions are required, of which at least 260 must be full-rate employment contributions with the remainder made up of modified contributions.
I have arranged for a copy of the person’s social insurance contribution record to issue to them along with an application form for State pension (contributory). On receipt of completed application form, the person’s entitlement to State pension (contributory) will be examined and they will be notified of the outcome in writing.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
