Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 March 2017
216. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who qualified for and received a full State pension in each of the past five years, that is, had 48 average contributions; the number of persons who received a reduced rate in each of the past five years, that is, had less than 48 average contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10589/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table shows the number of persons who were awarded maximum rate state pension (contributory) based on a yearly average of 48 or more contributions, and the number awarded reduced rate based on a yearly average of less than 48, in each of the past five years.
|
Year |
No. of max rate awards |
No. of reduced rate awards |
Total |
|
2016 |
14,768 |
13,401 |
28,169 |
|
2015 |
14,456 |
12,915 |
27,371 |
|
2014 |
14,323 |
13,470 |
27,793 |
|
2013 |
14,303 |
13,076 |
27,379 |
|
2012 |
13,573 |
12,921 |
26,494 |
To be eligible for a state pension (contributory) at age 66, an applicant must:
- have entered insurable employment before attaining the age of 56 years;
- have at least 520 paid contribution weeks since entry into insurance, from employment or self-employment;
- (for a maximum rate pension) have a yearly average of 48 paid and/or credited contributions from 1979, or from their date of entry into insurable employment, to the end of the last complete tax year preceding their 66th birthday; or
- (for a reduced rate pension) have a yearly average of at least 10 paid and/or credited contributions recorded from 1953, or from the applicant’s date of entry into insurable employment (whichever is the later), to the end of the tax year preceding their 66th birthday.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
