Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
779. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for the State pension (non-contributory) in the case of a person (detail supplied) has been refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13039/24]
View answerState pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, 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. For the purposes of the means test, cash income, including income from employment, foreign pensions, the value of any property (excluding a person’s own home), and the value of any savings and investments which a person or their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant holds, are assessable.
An application for state pension (non-contributory) was received from the person concerned on 29 February 2024. Following an assessment of the income and assets of the person concerned, including income from their spouse’s employment, the Deciding Officer determined that the weekly means of the person concerned exceeded the permissible statutory limit of €292.50 for state pension non-contributory eligibility, and their application was disallowed.
The person concerned was notified of this decision on 24 February 2024, together with the reasons for the decision and their right, if dissatisfied with the decision, to request a review of the decision, or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
