Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2021
222. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for a Widow's, (Contributory) Pension by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28895/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application for widow(er)'s & surviving civil partner's contributory pension was received from the person concerned on 14/05/2021.
She does not have sufficient Irish contributions to qualify for a standard widow(er)'s & surviving civil partner's contributory pension on either her own or her late spouses insurance record. The minimum yearly average of contributions required is 24, while she has a yearly average of 14.
We have written to our counterparts in the UK to request a copy of her UK insurance record. When this is received, possible entitlement to a pro-rata widow(er)'s & surviving civil partner's contributory pension will be examined.
As the person concerned is over age 66 and there is a lower minimum yearly average requirement on state pension, an application form for state pension contributory has issued to her for completion and return to the Department.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
