Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 November 2022
137. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection when assessing the contributory pension for a person (details supplied) if contributions from the UK have been requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57005/22]
View answerThe person concerned submitted an application for a State Pension (Contributory) on 7 September 2022.
A copy of their record was requested from the Department of Work and Pensions in the UK. On receipt of this record on 15 November 2022 their entitlement to a State Pension (Contributory) under EU Regulations was examined.
A qualifying condition for State Pension (Contributory) under EU Regulations is that the person must have at least 520 paid full rate social insurance contributions in the EU countries before their 66th birthday. According to the records, the person concerned has a combined total of 443 Irish and EU paid full rate contributions. Since their contributions fall short of the requisite 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for State pension (contributory) under EU Regulations.
The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 15 November 2022, provided with a copy of their social insurance record on which the decision was based, and afforded the right of review and/or appeal.
It is also open to them to apply for State Pension (non-contributory). This is a means-tested payment with the maximum rate set at approximately 95% of the state pension (contributory) rate. I have arranged for a form to issue to them.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
