State Pensions

Tuesday, 7 October 2025

Ceisteanna (333)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

333. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide a breakdown of the means test in the case of a person (details supplied) who was refused the State pension (non-contributory) on the basis that the household means exceed the statutory limit by €148; if he will clarify whether this amount refers to a weekly or monthly calculation; if consideration will be given to reviewing or increasing the current means limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52931/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

A state pension non-contributory application was received from the person concerned on 31 October 2024.

It was decided that the person concerned was not entitled to the pension as their weekly means of €384.08, exceeded the weekly statutory limit of €292.50 at the time. The current means limit is €305.00 per week. The main item included in the means assessment was their spouse’s private pension of €768.14 per week. A copy of the decision letter dated 3 December 2024 has reissued to the person concerned.

A comprehensive review of means testing in the social protection system is currently under way in my Department. The purpose of the review of means testing is to look at the different means tested schemes and to identify any issues in terms of the application of their respective means tests.

The outcome of the review will inform decisions regarding any potential changes to means testing. All prospective changes to means testing arrangements will have to be considered in both an overall policy and budgetary context.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.