Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
309. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection to outline the position if people can apply to have credits towards their pension while they were in receipt of carer's allowance for many years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20386/24]
View answerThis Government acknowledges the vital role that family carers play and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, the current State Pension (Contributory) system provides measures including PRSI credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods to recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate. In addition, PRSI credits are awarded to those in receipt of Carer's Benefit, Carer's Allowance and Domiciliary Care Allowance. These credits and other measures may be used to increase the rate of State Pension (Contributory) payment subject to certain conditions.
Despite these measures, some long-term carers of incapacitated dependents may still face barriers in accessing the State Pension (Contributory). They may, for example, have difficulty establishing the minimum number of 10 years of paid contributions.
Last year, legislation was enacted to implement a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system as part of the Government's response to the Pensions Commission’s recommendations. A key measure introduced from January 2024 is enhanced State Pension provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years. It will do this by attributing the equivalent of a paid contribution to long-term carers to cover gaps in their contribution record for State Pension (Contributory) purposes. People who are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance are considered eligible for long term carer’s contributions, subject to meeting the threshold of 20 years.
Last year, my Department launched an online system for people to register for long term caring contributions prior to reaching pensionable age to facilitate the processing of these periods to their contribution record.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
