Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:240. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review will be carried out on widow’s pension (details supplied). [36828/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 July 2022
Ceisteanna (240)
Freagraí scríofa
Entitlement to Widow(er)’s or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension (WSCPCP) is based on the social insurance record of either the applicant or their deceased spouse or civil partner.
In order to qualify for a maximum rate pension a person must have a yearly average of 48 weeks social insurance contributions paid before the death of their spouse or civil partner. The late spouse of the person concerned did not have sufficient social insurance contributions paid. The person concerned has a yearly average of 35 weeks social insurance contributions based on her own record, which entitles her to a weekly pension rate of €207.80. The maximum rate for a person under age 66 is currently €213.50.
In addition to her widows' contributory pension, the person concerned is in receipt of a fuel allowance. The fuel allowance is paid during the winter months.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, an Additional Needs Payment may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet out of their own weekly income. Decisions on such payments are made on a case-by-case basis by the local Community Welfare Service staff in my Department.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.