Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if eligibility for a State pension (contributory) in the case of a person (details supplied) can be reassessed following the payments for 2019 and 2020 being paid in full; when a decision is likely to be reached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29602/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned reached pension age on 02 April 2022.
In general, to qualify for the State pension (contributory) a person must have at least 520 paid contributions and satisfy a yearly average test (a yearly average of 48 contributions paid and/or credited is required for a maximum rate pension).
Section 110 (1) of The Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended, provides that a Self-Employed contributor shall not be regarded as satisfying the qualifying conditions unless all outstanding self-employment contributions are paid.
As the person concerned has outstanding self-employment liabilities for the years 2019 and 2020, the person was advised on 08 March 2022 that they were deemed not to satisfy the qualifying conditions for a State pension (Contributory). This decision was reviewed on the 30 March 2022 and 02 June 2022,; but the liabilities remain outstanding.
Where outstanding self-employment liabilities are paid subsequent to an applicant reaching pension age, State pension (contributory) will be awarded from the date on which self-employment liabilities are deemed as paid in full.
It is open to the person to contact this Department when their outstanding liabilities have been paid in full and their entitlement to a state pension (contributory) will be reviewed. It is also open to them to apply for the means-tested state pension (non-contributory), the maximum rate of which is over 95% that of the maximum rate of the state pension (contributory).
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
