Social Welfare Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023

Tuesday, 24 October 2023

Questions (75)

John Lahart

Question:

75. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that after forty-five years of working, a person (details supplied) has no entitlement to anything between the ages of 65-66 years; the reason that Covid years have been counted when work was unavailable to the person; the reason that no discretion or flexibility was shown by her Department, given the person's date of birth, work record and contributions, which would mean that they were assessed on four years, 27 days, rather than five years, as per Article 48A; how she can ensure that this matter is remedied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41353/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Benefit Payment for 65-Year-Olds, provided for under the Jobseeker's Benefit scheme, has been introduced in line with the Programme for Government commitment, to address the position of people who are required to or choose to retire at age 65 before the pension age of 66. The payment is designed to bridge the gap for people who retire from employment or self-employment at age 65 until they qualify for the State Pension at age 66.

To be eligible for the payment a person must satisfy the qualifying conditions of the scheme including the PRSI social insurance contribution requirements, which demonstrates a recent attachment to the workforce.

According to the Department’s records, the person concerned made a claim for Jobseeker’s Benefit on June 2017 and has not been in employment since this date and therefore did not meet the PRSI conditions.

I understand that the person concerned has since qualified for State Pension Contributory at the maximum personal rate of €265.30 per week, which will increase to €277.30 from next January 2024 as announced in Budget 2024.