Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

State Pensions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021

Tuesday, 18 May 2021

Ceisteanna (569)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

569. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applicants for a State pension, contributory, refused in the past 12 months on the basis of insufficient contributions; the number granted on appeal; if a mechanism exists for those deemed ineligible to supplement their contributions with a view to qualification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26550/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under current eligibility conditions, applicants must have 520 full-rate paid contributions in order to qualify for standard State pension (contributory).  520 full-rate contributions equates  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. 

According to the records of my Department, during the last 12 months, 5,881 State pension (contributory) applications were disallowed on the basis of having insufficient contributions, of which 3,805 remain disallowed. 

In some cases customers have settled their outstanding self -employed liability and subsequently qualified for pension. The Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended, stipulates that a self-employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions for State Pension (Contributory), unless the person has paid self-employment contributions in respect of at least one year prior to reaching age 66 and all outstanding self-employment contributions have been paid by him/her in full.  Where contributions are paid subsequent to a claimant’s 66th birthday, State Pension (Contributory) can only be awarded from the date on which the self-employment liability has been fully discharged.  

It is open to applicants to request a review or to appeal the decision they receive regarding their eligibility for State pension (contributory).  Information as to whether the subsequent award of pension in 2,076 cases during the past 12 months was on the basis of a customer-requested review or formal appeal is not available at this time.  

Depending on an applicant’s individual social insurance history their entitlement is assessed under a number of different tests to determine if they qualify for a pension.  They may also have the option of applying to be a voluntary contributor. 

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 a 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.

Barr
Roinn