Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
646. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection for a history of the widow’s non-contributory/non-contributory pension application for a person (details supplied); the current status of the claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2321/25]
View answerThe person concerned was in receipt of the state pension (non-contributory) from 12 October 2007.
On 21 November 2018, following a review of entitlement the pension was stopped as the means of the person concerned exceeded the weekly statutory limit. An overpayment totaling €92,110.10 was raised for the period 12 October 2007 – 12 March 2015. A decision letter issued on 21 November 2018 outlining the decision, overpayment and their right to appeal the decision.
On 1 March 2019, the person concerned appealed the decision. On 17 February 2020, notification was received from the Social Welfare Appeals Office confirming that the appeal had been disallowed.
On 1 October 2021 and 8 May 2023, the person concerned submitted state pension non-contributory application forms (SPNC1) both of which were disallowed (on 6 January 2022 and 8 May 2023) as the means exceeded the weekly statutory limit.
A subsequent SPNC1 was received from the person concerned on 19 March 2024. This application was held pending the outcome of an appeal on their Supplementary Welfare Allowance entitlement. The social welfare appeals office issued their decision on 28 January 2025.
It was decided on 31 January 2025 that the person concerned is not entitled to state pension (non-contributory) as their means exceed the weekly statutory limit. A decision letter has issued to the person concerned outlining the decision and their right to appeal the decision.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
