Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
946. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for a full State pension (contributory) as currently they are in receipt of a part payment; and if a record of their contributions will be provided. [1122/24]
View answerThe person concerned reached pension age on 2 October 2022. An application for State Pension (contributory) was received on 26 July 2022.
The person concerned has a total of 1027 reckonable contributions and 77 credits from their date of entry into insurable employment in 1973 to 2022 which equates to a yearly average of 23 contributions. This gave entitlement to a reduced State Pension (contributory) of €236.10, which is approximately 85% of the maximum rate. A yearly average of 48 contributions is required to receive the maximum rate State Pension (contributory).
I have arranged for a copy of their insurance record to issue to the person concerned. If they consider that they have additional contributions or credits that have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence to my Department and their pension entitlement can be reviewed.
It should be noted that it is also open to the person concerned to apply for the means-tested state pension (non-contributory), the maximum rate of which is over 95% that of the maximum rate of the state pension (contributory).
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
