Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
1156. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was turned down for a widow's pension in view of the fact the necessary contributions were in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4419/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned claim to a widows pension has again been reviewed by a Deciding Officer, and the original decision remains the same.
A widows, widower's or surviving civil partnership pension can be based on either the social insurance record of either the claimant or the deceased spouse. In order to qualify, if a spouse or civil partner died before 27 December 2013, whichever record is being used, must satisfy a contribution test, have at least 156 paid contributions and a yearly average of at least 24 weeks social insurance paid.
The social insurance records held show that the person concerned had a total of 92 weeks social insurance paid, and thus did not satisfy the test of 156 weeks PRSI paid. While the social insurance record of the late spouse, satisfied the 156 paid contribution test, it did not satisfy the yearly average test of at least 24 weeks PRSI paid, up to the relevant time. The social insurance record show that the deceased spouse of the person concerned had a yearly average of 21 weeks social insurance paid, which is insufficient to qualify for a minimum rate widows, widower's or surviving civil partnership pension.
The Deciding Officer who reviewed the claim for widow's widower's or surviving civil partnerships pension has issued the person concerned a decision letter concerning her entitlement
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
