Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
487. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a pension; if an appeal process is available in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7518/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial welfare legislation stipulates that a minimum of 520 full-rate paid contributions are required to qualify for standard State pension (contributory). Credits cannot be used to satisfy this condition. 520 full-rate contributions equate to 10 years of full-rate insurable employment.
The person concerned reached pension age on 1 September 2021. They applied for State pension (contributory) on 12 July 2021. According to the records of my Department, they have a total of 471 paid full-rate social insurance contributions. Since their contributions fall short of the requisite 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for State pension (contributory). They were notified in writing of this decision on 24 August 2021, and afforded the right to request a review and/or appeal this decision. They were also provided with a copy of the social insurance record on which their pension decision was based. The person concerned was also advised that they may wish to consider applying for a State Pension (non contributory) which is based on financial means and not social insurance contributions.
If the person concerned considers they have additional contributions from employment that have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence of the missing periods of employment to my Department and their pension entitlement will be reviewed.
It is open to the person concerned to appeal the decision regarding their pension entitlement, either before or after seeking a review, by writing to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office, D’Olier House, D’Olier Street, Dublin 2, or swappeals@welfare.ie. However, since more than 21 days have elapsed since the decision of 24 August 2021, acceptance of an appeal of that decision will be a matter for the Chief Appeals Officer.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
