Jim O'Callaghan
Question:450. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused an old age pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24089/23]
View answerTuesday, 23 May 2023
Questions (450)
Written answers
State pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over who have a right of residence and habitually reside in the State and who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or only qualify for a reduced-rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
An application for state pension (non-contributory) was received from the person concerned on 12 July 2012. On 29 August 2012, the case was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector to investigate the means of the applicant for pension eligibility purposes. On 11 December 2012, the Inspector returned the case to the Deciding Officer, advising that the applicant had failed to make themselves available for interview.
The Deciding Officer disallowed the person's application as they had failed to disclose their means by not making themselves available for interview by the Inspector. On 18 December 2012, the person was notified in writing of this decision, and of their right to request a review of the decision or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. There is no record that an appeal against the decision was received.
There is no record of any further contact from the person concerned with the Department.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.