Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
897. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied), through paid and credited contributions, has an entitlement to the State pension (contributory), either at maximum or reduced rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57017/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn 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.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has a total of 297 full-rate contributions. Since their contributions fall short of the requisite 520 paid full-rate contributions, they do not qualify for State Pension (contributory).
The person concerned was awarded Home Caring Periods for the period 9 April 1983 to 8 December 2001. Home Caring Periods can be used to improve a persons rate of state pension (contributory). They cannot however be used to satisfy the requirement to have 520 full rate contributions.
In September 2022, I announced the introduction of State Pension provision for long-term carers by attributing the equivalent of paid contributions to cover gaps in their contribution record. These Long-Term Carer's Contributions are available to those who provided full time care to incapacitated dependents for 20 years or more (1040 weeks).
If the person concerned has been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years, they may be awarded the equivalent of paid contributions to cover gaps in their contribution record in order to qualify for the State Pension Contributory. The periods of caregiving do not need to be consecutive. The quickest way to apply for Long-Term Carers Contributions is online at MyWelfare.ie.
Further information about the changes in State pension (contributory) and Long-Term Carers Contributions are available on the Government website at gov.ie/pensions.
Where a person reaches State Pension age and does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for State Pension (contributory) or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for one of the following:
- The means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory) which is a means-tested payment (based on their share of household means) with a maximum payment of 95% of the state pension contributory; or
- An increase for a qualified adult (based on their own means), amounting up to 90% of a full rate State pension contributory pension where their spouse has a contributory pension; or
- Where their spouse/civil partner is deceased, a widow's/widower's/civil partner's contributory pension, which they may claim either based on their spouse's or their own social insurance record. The qualifying conditions for this require fewer contributions paid (260) than the State pension contributory with allowances (notably the Living Alone Allowance) payable where applicable.
The person concerned applied for the State Pension (Non-Contributory) in October 2018. However, the application was withdrawn in November 2018. It is open to the person concerned to re-apply for the State Pension (Non-Contributory).
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
