Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2023
116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) would have enough contributions to enable her to qualify for a State pension or a form of payment from her Department following recent changes and updates in this area with respect to long-term carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54055/23]
View answerThe person concerned reached pension age on 21 May 2023.
In order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory), an individual must have 520 full-rate paid contributions.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has 347 reckonable contributions. As they do not have the required 520 full rate paid contributions, they do not qualify for State pension (contributory).
As part of the series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system, I have introduced an enhanced State Pension provision from January 2024 for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years (1040 weeks). The periods of care-giving do not need to be consecutive.
If the person concerned has been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years, they can apply for the Long-Term Carers Contributions (LTCC). If the criteria are met, the equivalent of paid contributions may be attributed to cover caring gaps in their contribution record. The quickest way to apply is online at MyWelfare.ie.
Further information about the Long-Term Carers Contributions and the changes to State pension (contributory) and are available on the Government website at gov.ie/pension.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
