Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
726. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are changes to be introduced to the State pension contributory to allow persons on a reduced rate due to average calculation to seek a higher rate of pension (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15154/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned applied for State pension (contributory) in January 2023 and was awarded a pension from 30 March 2023, on reaching the pension age of 66 years.
The current weekly rate of payment of €254.80 is 85% of the maximum rate of the contributory pension, based on a yearly average of 25 social insurance contributions. The award is based on the qualifying conditions for pension applying at the time the person reached pension age and is the best rate for which they qualified at that time. Any prospective changes to the qualifying conditions of State pension (contributory) would have to be considered in both an overall policy and budgetary context.
The person concerned may wish to apply for the means tested State pension (non-contributory) for which the current maximum weekly rate of payment is €288.00 or for the fuel allowance with their current pension. They may also wish to apply for the Household Benefits Package which they may be entitled to if it is not being claimed by anyone else in the household. The application forms for these schemes have been sent to them, or they can apply online on mywelfare.ie.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
