Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
936. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a State pension award in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry was assessed under the total contribution approach and averaging; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17744/23]
View answerThe person concerned reached pension age on 23 March 2015. An application for State Pension (contributory) was received on 7 March 2023.
State Pension (contributory) applications are assessed under the Yearly Average method and the Total Contributions Approach, with the most beneficial rate paid.
The person concerned has a total of 773 reckonable contributions and 45 credits from their date of entry into insurable employment in 1965 to 2014 which equates to a yearly average of 16 contributions. This gave entitlement to a reduced State Pension (contributory) at 65% of the maximum rate. A yearly average of 48 contributions is required to receive the maximum rate State Pension (contributory).
Entitlement using the Total Contributions Approach was also assessed. A total of 773 reckonable contributions combined with the maximum permissible number of Home Caring periods and reckonable credits of 1,040, gave a total of 1,813. This gave entitlement to 87.16% of the maximum rate State Pension (contributory).
The State Pension (contributory) was awarded using the Total Contributions Approach from 9 December 2022, the date on which the self-employment liability was deemed as discharged. The person concerned was notified in writing on 28 March 2023. A copy of their insurance record also issued.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of the most financially beneficial rate of State pension (contributory) commensurate with their social insurance record. If they consider that they have additional contributions or credits that have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence to my Department and their pension entitlement can be reviewed.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
