Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2019
598. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the impact on pension entitlements for carers who took time out of the workforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50150/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe interim Total Contributions Approach (known as the Aggregated Contributions Method) for calculating State Pension (contributory) that I introduced in early 2018 makes it easier for many post-2012 pensioners affected by the 2012 rate band changes and assessed under the yearly average model, to qualify for a higher rate of the State pension (contributory).
This model requires 40 years of contributions for a full rate pension. Crucially, it facilitates up to 20 years of HomeCaring periods to be added to paid contributions to increase a person’s rate. It effectively means that the minimum number of paid contributions of 20 years needed for a full rate pension is as the National Pensions Framework suggested. However the additional scope for home caring potentially allows more people, particularly women who took time out of the work place to care for children and others, to earn a higher rate pension.
PRSI contributions can be credited to people in a number of contexts and as such up to 10 years of credits, for example Jobseekers or Illness Benefit, may also be used subject to the total of such credits and HomeCaring periods not exceeding 20 years. For example a person might receive a maximum pension based on a record of 20 years paid PRSI contributions, 5 years jobseekers credits, and 15 years HomeCaring (before or after 1994), over a 50 year period, despite additional gaps of up to 10 years.
There will be some people who have contributed less frequently into the Social Insurance Fund (which pays for contributory pensions), and who will therefore be below the threshold required for a maximum rate of the State pension (contributory). However, for those with insufficient contributions to meet the requirements for a State pension (contributory), they may qualify for a means tested State pension (non-contributory), the maximum personal rate for which is €237 (over 95% of the maximum rate of the contributory pension). This rate of payment does not include rent allowance, household benefits or fuel allowance. Alternatively, if their spouse is a State pensioner and they have significant household means, their most beneficial payment may be an Increase for a Qualified Adult, based on their personal means, and amounting up to 90% of a full contributory pension.
Any additional changes to pension entitlements for carers would need to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
