Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
647. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider adapting a new procedure (details supplied) to negate situations of overpayments following death; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54480/22]
View answerState 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. For the purposes of the means-test, at initial application stage and throughout the lifetime of the pension claim, an applicant must provide full and up to date details of any income(s), asset(s), savings and investment(s) held, and notify any changes that occur that may affect their pension entitlement.
All state pension non-contributory recipients are notified at the time of their initial claim award and in subsequent claim review decision communications issuing, that their pension is a means-tested payment and that they are obliged (under provisions set out in social welfare legislation) to notify the Department of any changes in their circumstances that may affect their continuing pension entitlement.
In addition to periodic means reviews, information letters are issued annually to a proportion of recipients, on a rolling basis, to remind them of the conditions for continuing receipt of their payment and their obligation to notify the Department of changes in their circumstances in a timely manner.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
