Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 April 2019
18. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when application forms for the State pension (contributory) review will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15365/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince late September 2018, my Department has been examining the social insurance records of approximately 90,000 pensioners, born on or after 1 September 1946, who have a reduced rate State pension contributory entitlement based on post Budget 2012 rate-bands. These payments are being reviewed under a new Total Contributions Approach (TCA) to pension calculation which includes provision for homecaring periods.
Wherever possible reviews will be processed using information already held by my Department. In some cases additional information is being requested to ensure people receive the best rate possible. Paper application forms are available on request and have been issuing to pensioners since the middle of February. Almost 7,200 forms have issued and as at 2 April 2019 just over 4,600 have been returned. I would urge anyone who has yet to provide additional requested information to the Department to do so as soon as possible so that their review can be processed.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
