Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 November 2017
496. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the maximum social welfare benefit is being paid to a person (details supplied); if there are further benefits they are entitled to; if their record of self employment has been considered in this case; if their spouse’s pension entitlement will also be examined to determine if an increase is applicable. [50892/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned is currently in receipt of a maximum rate of state pension (non - contributory) with effect from 7 July 2017, the Friday following their 66th birthday. Prior to their 66th birthday, they were a social welfare beneficiary, as a qualified adult on their spouse’s state pension (contributory) and received the maximum rate payable.
The person concerned has not applied for state pension (contributory). An application form for state pension (contributory) has been sent to the person. On receipt of a completed application, which seeks details of any periods of self employment, their eligibility for state pension (contributory) will be assessed and they will be notified of the decision on their application without delay.
The spouse of the person concerned is in receipt of a reduced rate state pension (contributory) based on an assessed yearly average of 30 contributions. According to the records of my Department, the person has a social insurance record of 1484 reckonable paid and credited contributions for the period from February 1964 to December 2013. The correct rate of contributory pension is in payment based on this record. A copy of the record relied upon by the deciding officer was provided when the decision was made and the person notified to inform the department if their record appeared incorrect or incomplete. It is noted there are no recorded contributions for tax years 1972 to 1990/91 inclusive. In 2014, the person sought a review of self employment for 2000/01. My Department confirmed that there are no self employment contributions due for 2000/01, in line with information provided by Revenue.
If the spouse of the person concerned considers that additional contributions or credits remain missing from their record, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence of the missing periods of employment to my Department and their pension entitlement will be reviewed.
As the spouse of the person concerned is over 66 years of age, it is also open to them to apply for the means tested state pension (non-contributory). An application form was issued to the person in July 2017. No application has been received. On receipt of a completed state pension (non-contributory) application form, the person’s entitlement will be assessed and they will be notified of the outcome. Where a person qualifies for both pensions, the more financially beneficial payment will be made.
Additionally, the spouse of the person concerned is in receipt of fuel allowance (payable during winter months) and the Household Benefits Package for the household.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
