Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
323. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Social Protection if a full review will be carried out on the file of a person (details supplied) with a view to awarding them the State pension (contributory). [10658/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned reached pension age on 23 January 2021 and applied for State pension (contributory) on 21 October 2021.
Under current eligibility conditions, an individual 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. Factors such as an individual’s social insurance record, their attachment to the workforce, and their countries of employment affect the rate of pension entitlement.
According to the records of my Department, when their claim was initially examined the person concerned had a total of 459 paid full-rate social insurance contributions. Since their contributions fell short of the requisite 520 paid full-rate contributions, they did not qualify for State pension (contributory). They were notified in writing of this decision on 4 November 2021, provided with a copy of their social insurance record on which the decision was based, and afforded the right of review and/or appeal.
Details of additional contributions were provided and the person’s contribution history record was updated. They now have a contribution record of 603 paid full-rate contributions and 41 credited contributions. The person was awarded State Pension (contributory) at 40% of the maximum rate, with effect from 21 April 2021, backdated from date of receipt of application, in line with social welfare legislation. They were informed of this decision in writing on 21 February 2022.
The award of HomeCaring periods has been referred for consideration to my Department’s HomeCaring Section. Upon receipt of a decision, a further review of State pension (contributory) will be carried out and the person will be notified of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
