Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023
444. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is any pathway for a person (details supplied) to apply for additional credits to receive a full contributory pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14800/23]
View answerIn April 2012, the number of paid contributions required to qualify for a state pension (contributory) increased from 260 to 520. This change was announced well in advance of its introduction.
In 1993, "Developing the National Pension System - Final Report of the National Pensions Board” was published and recommended that the number of paid contributions required to qualify for a contributory pension should be increased to 520 contributions, in recognition of the expansion of PRSI coverage over the decades.
The enabling legislation was contained in Section 12 of the Social Welfare Act 1997, which provided for the implementation of the change in two stages, with the paid contribution requirement being standardised initially at 260 from 2002, and rising to 520 from April 2012, 15 years after its introduction in law.
The person concerned reached 66 years of age in 2016. To be eligible for state pension (contributory), at least 520 full-rate paid contributions are required. Credits are only reckonable once this condition is met.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has 352 full-rate contributions. As they do not have the minimum of 520 full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for the state pension (contributory).
Entitlement to an EU pro-rata pension was also examined. To qualify for this pension, a total of 520 combined contributions are required. The person concerned has 83 UK contributions bringing their combined paid contributions to 435. As they did not have the minimum of 520 combined contributions required, they do not qualify for this pension.
If the person concerned considers that additional contributions have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence to my Department and their application will be reviewed. It is also open to them to apply for State pension (non-contributory). This is a means-tested, residency-based payment for people of pension age. The maximum personal rate is approximately 95% of the maximum rate of contributory pension. I have arranged for an application form to issue to the person.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
