Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
1206. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection the options available to a person who has applied for a State pension prior to their 66th birthday but failed to hear back before the birthday and now is unable to work up extra contributions to make up a shortfall in entitlements. [20857/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder current eligibility conditions, applicants must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment over a person’s working life. Calculation of an applicant’s entitlement to State pension (contributory) is based on their social insurance record from their date of entry into insurable employment until pension age, currently 66 years.
If the person concerned considers that they hold additional information which may impact on their pension eligibility, they should submit the details without delay to enable my Department to have the matter investigated and to inform them directly of the options available to them based on their individual social insurance record and circumstances.
For those who do not qualify for the State pension (contributory), there are other state pension payments available, depending on an individual’s circumstances. State pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested, residency-based payment for persons of pension age, based on the applicant's share of assessable household means. The maximum rate payable equates to 95% of the maximum rate of state pension (contributory).
If the person’s spouse has a State pension (contributory), the person may qualify for an Increase for qualified adult (IQA) payable with their spouse’s pension (means-tested on their own means). The rate of IQA payable may amount to 90% of the maximum State pension (contributory), depending on the rate of State pension (contributory) in payment to the person’s spouse and the person’s own means, solely or jointly held.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
