John McGuinness
Question:728. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for a State pension (non-contributory) will be approved for a person (details supplied) as a matter of urgency. [13585/24]
View answerTuesday, 9 April 2024
Questions (728)
Written answers
State 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, at initial application stage and throughout the lifetime of the pension claim, an applicant must provide full and up to date details of any income(s), asset(s), savings and investment(s) they hold, and notify any changes that occur that may affect their pension entitlement. In all cases, sufficient supporting documentation must be furnished by the applicant in order to enable a Deciding Officer to correctly assess if they satisfy the eligibility conditions and their possible weekly pension payment entitlement.
The person concerned initially submitted an application for state pension non-contributory on 12 May 2022. The person’s pension claim was assigned to a Social Welfare Inspector in order to investigate their habitual residency in the state and their weekly means. As the person failed to reply to a request for further information or to the Inspector’s request for interview, their pension application was disallowed. They were notified in writing of this decision and of their right to request a review or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
The person concerned reapplied for state pension non-contributory in August 2023. The case was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector who sought the required information from the applicant. On 21 February 2024, following receipt of the Inspector’s report, a Deciding Officer disallowed the application and their decision, and the applicant’s right of review/appeal, was conveyed in writing to the applicant at that time.
At the end of February 2024, the person concerned provided some of the requested information / documentation. However, to date, and despite reminders issuing, the person has failed to return a completed ‘HRC’ form, providing details of their residency in the state. This was explained to the person in a telephone call by the Deciding Officer on 27 March 2024. A further request by letter issued to the person on that date, enclosing a HRC form for completion and return.
When the required information is provided, the Deciding Officer will review the person’s state pension non-contributory application and they will be notified of the outcome.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.