Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
606. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if home carer’s credits have been correctly applied in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39521/23]
View answerThe person concerned reached pension age on 21 May 2023. An application form for State Pension (contributory) was received on 22 February 2023.
Under current eligibility conditions, an individual must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 347 full-rate contributions. Since their contributions fall short of the required 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for State pension (contributory).
They were notified in writing of this decision on 20 April 2023, provided with a copy of their social insurance record on which the decision was based, and afforded the right of review and appeal.
Both the Homemaker’s Scheme and Home Caring Periods can be used to improve a person’s rate of pension entitlement. However, a person must firstly satisfy the qualifying conditions for State Pension (contributory) to avail of either of these schemes.
In September 2022, I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system. The measures are in response to the Pensions Commission’s recommendations and represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system.One of the most important reforms agreed by Government is enhanced State Pension provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years. It will do this by attributing the equivalent of paid contributions to long-term carers to cover gaps in their contribution record.
The Long-Term Carer's Contributions (LTCC) will be available to those who provided full time care for 20 years (1040 weeks) or more to an incapacitated dependent. The periods of care-giving do not need to be consecutive. I expect to bring the legislation required to introduce the LTCC before the Oireachtas soon, with the scheme being fully implemented from January 2024. This month, my Department launched an online system for people to register for LTCC. This will facilitate the expeditious processing of LTCC upon enactment of the legislation.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
