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State Pension (Contributory) Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019

Friday, 6 September 2019

Ceisteanna (1783)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

1783. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of cases due for review under the new total contribution system for assessing pensioners for the State pension (contributory); the number of cases reviewed and finalised to date; the number of cases that have resulted in an increase of €20 and more each week; the number between €10 and €20 per week and less than €10 per week; the number of those that received an increase of less than €10 that are now receiving the maximum pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34911/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Since late September 2018, my Department has been examining the social insurance records of over 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. 

Reviews commenced from 13 February 2019, the day after I signed the necessary Regulations which, together with provisions in the Social Welfare, Pensions and Civil Registrations Act 2018, allows the increased payments to be made.

As at 29 August 2019, 92,507 reviews have been completed; of these, 51,943 are women and 40,564 are  men.  Of the 51,943 women 27,915  (54%) received an increase while the rest remain on their existing rate. Of the 40,564 men ,9,746  (24%)  received an increase and the remainder continue to received their same rate of payment.

Most of the remaining reviews for completion are awaiting additional information relating to gaps in the social insurance records of individuals requested by my Department.  Review outcomes will issue to all remaining pensioners in the coming weeks.

The latest information available on the detailed increase in rate breakdown requested by the Deputy is as at the end of July 2019 and is provided in the table below.

Weekly personal rate increase

 Number of all increases

€  0.10 - €10.00

13,161

€10.01 - €20.00

3,378

€20.01 or more

18,598

As at the end of July, of those awarded an increase of less than €10.00 following review, 7,298 are now in receipt of the maximum rate of state pension (contributory).

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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