Jim O'Callaghan
Question:452. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) is not receiving their full pension entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24115/23]
View answerTuesday, 23 May 2023
Questions (452)
Written answers
The person concerned reached pension age on 12 November 2022.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 772 qualifying paid and credited social insurance contributions from their date of entry into employment in 1975, to the end of 2022. This equates to a yearly average of 16 contributions, giving entitlement to 65% of the maximum rate state pension (contributory) at €172.90 per week. To qualify for the maximum rate of State pension (contributory), a yearly average of 48 contributions is required.
The person concerned is in receipt of the correct rate of State pension (contributory), commensurate with their social insurance record as held by my Department.
I have arranged for a copy of the person’s social insurance contribution record to issue to them. 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.
It is also open to the person concerned to apply for the means-tested state pension (non-contributory). The maximum rate equates to 95% of the maximum rate of state pension (contributory).
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.