Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2453. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full year cost of reducing the number of paid PRSI contributions to qualify for a widower's pension and surviving civil partner's contributory pension from 260 contributions to 230; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32860/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo qualify for a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension, either the person claiming or their late spouse or civil partner must have 260 paid PRSI contributions. Virtually all paid PRSI contributions count towards this pension, including contributions paid by public servants and the self-employed.
If a person is divorced and would have been entitled to a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension had they remained married, they keep their entitlement to the Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension. Similarly, if their civil partnership has been dissolved and they would have been entitled to a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension had they remained in the civil partnership, they keep their entitlement to the Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension.
The pension is payable regardless of other income.
From December 2013 the number of contributions required for Widow's, Widow(er)'s Contributory Pension and Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension increased from 156 to 260 (i.e. 5 years paid PRSI contributions). The requirement of 156 paid contributions equated to only three year’s attachment to the work force. The qualification criterion had not changed since 1953. Once a customer qualifies, the pension is paid for life and is increased to the level of the State pension at age 66. This was not sustainable, particularly at a time when the qualifying conditions for the State Pension increased to 520 paid contributions.
The requirement of 260 contributions (5 years contributions), over the course of perhaps a 40-50 year working career is not an onerous requirement and there are no plans to lower that figure.
My Department cannot estimate the cost of the impact of reducing the number of paid contributions from 260 to 230 contributions as there is no data available or estimates that can be made in relation to those who are widowed and who do not apply or who remain on another scheme.
Maximum Payment Rates 2017:
|
Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension |
Maximum weekly rate |
|
Widow/widower/surviving civil partner (under 66) |
€203.50 |
|
Widow/widower/surviving civil partner (aged 66 and under 80) |
€243.30 |
|
Widow/widower/surviving civil partner (aged 80 and over) |
€250.30 |
|
Increase for qualified child |
€31.80 |
It should be noted for those who do not qualify for lack of contributions for the Widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's contributory pension, there are other supports available. If under 66, they may qualify for the means-tested Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (non-contributory pension). If they have dependent children, they may qualify for the One-Parent Family payment. If they are over 66, they can apply for the means-tested State Pension (non-contributory) in their own right. These means tested payments help ensure that people with limited means can have access to state income support.
I do hope this clarifies the matter for the matter for the Deputy.
