Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2023
447. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated number of affected persons who, due to their years as a homemaker prior to 1994, have not qualified for a State pension (contributory). [8089/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
In January 2018, the Government agreed a new “Total Contributions Approach” (TCA) for State pension (contributory) which can include up to 20 years of Home Caring periods. Unlike the Homemakers scheme, this applies to periods both before and after 1994. This can benefit many people, particularly women, whose work history includes an extended period of time outside the paid workplace, while raising families or in a caring role. The TCA ensures that the totality of a person’s social insurance contributions - as opposed to the timing of them - determines a final pension outcome, and it also acknowledges the contribution made by home carers in the period before 1994.
My department does not currently hold a breakdown of all applications awarded or disallowed by contribution/credit type. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy in not available. However, if the Deputy has a particular case, she can bring it to the attention of my department who will provide further clarification.
Where a person aged 66 or over does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a state pension (contributory), or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for one the following -
- The State Pension (non-contributory) which is a means-tested payment. The maximum rate is equivalent to 95% of the full rate State Pension (contributory); or
- An increase for a qualified adult, equivalent to 90% of the full rate State Pension (contributory) where their spouse is in receipt of this pension; or
- Where their spouse/civil partner is deceased, a widow's/widower's/civil partner's contributory pension, which can be based on either their spouses or their own social insurance record. The qualifying conditions for this require fewer contributions paid (260) than the State pension (contributory), and the maximum personal rate for those aged 66 is the same rate as the state pension (contributory), with allowances (notably the Living Alone Allowance) payable where applicable.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
