Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2022

Wednesday, 23 November 2022

Ceisteanna (125)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

125. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether it is fair or logical that the benefit payment for 65 year olds can only be applied for when the person has turned 65 years of age and is no longer in work (details supplied); her further views on whether this policy is a barrier to entry for the payment; her further views on whether this is best practice or a reasonable policy to implement in order to provide fair access to this payment for those would qualify; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58342/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds, provided under the Jobseekers Benefit scheme, was introduced in line with the Programme for Government commitment, to address the position of people who are required to or choose to retire at age 65 before the pension age of 66.

The payment is designed to bridge the gap for people who retire from employment or self-employment at 65 until they qualify for the State Pension at age 66. The social insurance contribution requirements are not as high as for receipt of the State Pension, and people retiring at age 65, given they have a recent attachment to the workforce, should, in most cases meet the required PRSI conditionality.

The qualifying conditions of the scheme, including the PRSI social insurance contribution requirements, can be found on Gov.ie.

Where a person is unsure as to whether they may qualify for the payment they can contact their local Intreo Centre for assistance.

I trust that this clarifies the position.