Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
1034. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the review of a contributory pension claim and a claim for home care period contributions by a person (details supplied). [35958/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned reached pension age 66 on the 4 August 2024. They applied for a State Pension (contributory) in January 2024. An award letter issued to them in April 2024 advising that they qualified for a reduced rate of pension from 4 August 2024.
Based on their social insurance record at that time the person concerned had yearly average was 20 which gave entitlement to €236.10 per week. This is equivalent to 85% of the maximum rate of state pension (contributory).
Following the award of HomeMakers and HomeCaring Periods, a review of the persons State Pension (contributory) entitlement was completed. The yearly average increased to 29, however the rate of payment remains unchanged. In order to qualify for an increase in rate a yearly average of 30 is required. In order to receive the maximum rate of payment €277.30, a yearly average of 48 is required.
It is open to the person concerned to apply for the means-tested State Pension (non-contributory), the maximum rate of which equates to 95% of the maximum rate of State Pension (contributory).
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
