Peter Burke
Ceist:528. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise on an application by a person (details supplied) regarding a pension. [51674/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 October 2022
Ceisteanna (528)
Freagraí scríofa
State pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record. Items which count as means include cash income, including foreign pensions, the value of any property (excluding a person’s own home) and the value of any savings and investments which a person or their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant may have.
The person concerned has submitted a number of applications for state pension (non-contributory) since March 2018. At all application stages, the person has failed to fully provide the requested information and documentation to enable a Deciding Officer to complete a means assessment.
The most recent re-application for state pension (non-contributory) was received on 21 July 2021. On 10 August 2021, the person’s case was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector to investigate their means and provide a report to the Deciding Officer. The Inspector wrote to the person concerned on 28 September 2021, requesting financial statements and documentation in relation to assets and property held in countries including South Africa. On 19 November 2021, the Inspector reported to the Deciding Officer that, although the person concerned had contacted the Inspector on 11 October 2021 requesting more time to supply the requested information, there had been no further contact or required documentation supplied by the person.
As the requested information was not provided, it was not possible to assess the person’s weekly means. The Deciding Officer was therefore unable to establish whether an entitlement to state pension (non-contributory) existed and the application was disallowed. On 25 November 2021, the person concerned was notified in writing of the reasons for this decision and of their right to request a review of the decision or appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
There is no record of the person concerned contacting the Deciding Officer or Inspector since that date, nor have they appealed the decision.
It remains open to the person concerned to contact the state pension (non-contributory) section, at Department of Social Protection, College Road, Sligo if they wish to make themselves available for further interview and provide the required information in order to assess their eligibility for pension.
I trust this clarifies the matter.