Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
416. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal regarding a State pension review; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29401/23]
View answerState pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, legally and habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
The person concerned is in receipt of a state pension non-contributory. Based on their assessed weekly means, they are entitled to a reduced-rate pension payment, together with a living alone increase, telephone support allowance, and a fuel allowance (payable during the winter season).
On receipt of correspondence from the person concerned on 16 August 2022, a review of their state pension non-contributory entitlement was undertaken. Further information was sought by the Deciding Officer on 29 August 2022 and 20 September 2022, and the case was subsequently assigned to a Social Welfare Inspector to investigate the person's means.
Following on from receipt of the Inspector's report in February 2023, the Deciding Officer has now completed their review and decided that the person concerned has an entitlement to an increase in their rate of state pension non-contributory, backdated to 19 August 2022.
On 15 June 2023, the person was notified in writing of this decision and their right to request a review of the decision, or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Arrears of pension, in the amount of €6,847.50, will be lodged to the account of the person concerned and available from 23 June 2023.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
