asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not receiving the contributory old age pension at the full rate.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
141.
The person concerned attained pension age of 66 years on 30 September 1978. He is in receipt of old age (contributory) pension at the rate appropriate to his yearly average of 31 contributions in the period from his entry into insurance in 1954 to the end of the 1977 contribution year. A yearly average of not less than 48 contributions is required to qualify for this pension at the maximum rate.
He is not entitled to an adult dependant's allowance as his wife is receiving a non-contributory old age pension in her own right.
142.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not receiving the widow's pension at the full rate.
The person concerned is in receipt of a widow's non-contributory pension from 13 March 1981 at a reduced rate on the basis of her means derived from her yearly income and some capital.
She has appealed against this decision and the necessary form on which to state the facts and contentions relied upon in support of her appeal was issued to her on 1 May 1981. As soon as the completed form has been returned the case will be referred for decision by an appeals officer.
143.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when an old age pension will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Clare.
The application of the person concerned for a non-contributory pension is under investigation. When the necessary inquiries have been completed the claim will be referred to the local pension committee for decision.
If a pension is recommended by the social welfare officer it will be paid provisionally pending the pension committee's decision.
If the decision is unfavourable the claimant will, of course, have the right of appeal against it.
144.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that a person (details supplied) in County Galway applied for an old age pension on 15 February 1981, and that to date he has not received a reply from the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The non-contributory old age pension claim in question was still being investigated until recently. The claimant was aware of the position as he had been visited at home by the area social welfare officer in the course of his inquiries.
The necessary inquiries have now been completed and the social welfare officer is recommending to the local pension committee that pension at the maximum rate be awarded.
Pension will be put into payment on a provisional basis pending the pension committee's decision.