Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 June 2024
163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason her Department has refused to accept the gifting of the proceeds of the then family home in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26694/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraState 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, cash income, including income from employment, foreign pensions, the value of any property (excluding a person’s own home), and the value of any savings and investments which a person or their spouse, civil partner or cohabitant holds, are assessable.
An application for state pension (non-contributory) was received from the person concerned on 26 October 2023. Following an assessment of the income and assets of the person concerned, the Deciding Officer determined that the weekly means exceeded the permissible statutory limit of €292.50 for state pension non-contributory eligibility, and their application was disallowed.
Included in the assessment of means when calculating the person’s entitlement, was a sum which they gifted to their family. Social welfare legislation provides for the assessment of the value of any income or property which the Deciding Officer deems the person concerned to have deprived themselves of (whether directly or indirectly), in order to qualify for pension or for pension payment at a higher weekly rate.
The person concerned was notified of this decision on 11 June 2024, together with the reasons for the decision and their right, if dissatisfied with the decision, to request a review of the decision, or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
