Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
863. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the review of an application (details supplied); what documents are being requested and are outstanding for this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56502/23]
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.
A state pension non-contributory application form was received from the person concerned on 14 December 2022.
Following an investigation by a Social Welfare Inspector, a Deciding Officer disallowed the application as the person concerned failed to fully disclose their means by not providing all the requested information to determine their eligibility. On 14 February 2023, the person was notified in writing of this decision, and of their right to request a review of the decision or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. There is no record that an appeal against the decision was received.
Following the Deputy’s Parliamentary Question, a re-examination of the person’s State pension non-contributory entitlement was initiated.
On 13 December 2023, the case was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector to investigate the means of the person, so that a pension entitlement could be assessed.
On 14 December 2023, the Inspector issued correspondence to the person concerned, outlining the required documentation in order for his State pension non-contributory entitlement to be established.
The Inspector returned their report to the Deciding Officer on 11 January 2024, confirming that the person concerned had not supplied all requested documentation and therefore it was not possible to establish their entitlement to the payment.
The Deciding Officer disallowed the review of the person’s State pension non-contributory entitlement, on 11 January 2024, for the reason that the applicant had failed to disclose their means by not providing the information as requested by the Inspector. The person was notified in writing of this decision on 11 January 2024, and of their right to request a review of the decision or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Separately, a state pension contributory application form has been received on 28 December 2023 from the person concerned and is currently being examined.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
