Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
312. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for the State pension (non-contributory) will be approved for a person (details supplied); if they are entitled to the State pension (contributory); and if they will be paid supplementary allowance as they have no income. [20492/24]
View answerState 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. For the purposes of the means-test, at initial application stage and throughout the lifetime of the pension claim, an applicant must provide full and up to date details of any income(s), asset(s), savings and investment(s) they hold, and notify any changes that occur that may affect their pension entitlement. In all cases, sufficient supporting documentation must be furnished by the applicant in order to enable a Deciding Officer to correctly assess if they satisfy the eligibility conditions and their possible weekly pension payment entitlement.
The person concerned reapplied for state pension non-contributory in August 2023. The case was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector who endeavoured to obtain the required information from the person. On 21 February 2024, following receipt of the Inspector’s report, a Deciding Officer disallowed the application and their decision, and right of review (or appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office), was conveyed in writing to the person concerned at that time.
Following a further communication from the person concerned, a review of their state pension non-contributory entitlement was initiated. A Deciding Officer has now completed the review and awarded the person the maximum rate payment with effect from 18 August 2023. A letter issued to the person concerned on 1 May 2024, informing them of the decision.
The person concerned is currently in receipt of Supplementary Welfare Allowance. The Deciding Officer has notified the Community Welfare Officer of the award of state pension non-contributory. Once the supplementary welfare allowance payment has ceased and the Deciding Officer has calculated the due pension arrears, the pension payment will commence and the arrears payment will be issued to the person concerned without delay.
The person has also submitted an application for state pension contributory which is currently under consideration. A decision will issue to the person concerned in due course.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
