Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
1266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a person (details supplied) can receive the State pension (contributory) in view of his or her particular circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25591/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned applied for standard state pension (contributory) on 13 April 2018. According to the records of the Department, the person has a total of 317 full-rate paid social insurance contributions. As one of the qualifying conditions for state pension (contributory) requires a social insurance record of at least 520 full-rate paid contributions, the person concerned does not qualify and was informed in writing of this decision on 25 May 2018.
The person concerned was in receipt of illness benefit until their 66th birthday, as illness benefit is payable to age 66. If the person thinks they may have had an underlying entitlement to invalidity pension for part of the period during which they received illness benefit payments they should make a retrospective application for it. An application form has been sent to the person concerned. Recipients of invalidity pension immediately prior to their 66th birthday are entitled to transfer to state pension (contributory).
As the person concerned has reached age 66, they should apply for state pension (non- contributory) without delay. An application form has been sent directly to the person concerned for completion and should be returned to State pension (non-contributory) section, Social Services Office, College Road, Sligo F91 T384.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
