William Aird
Ceist:729. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15172/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 February 2026
Ceisteanna (729)
Freagraí scríofa
The State Pension (Non-contributory) is a means-tested payment for persons who don't qualify for a contributory pension based on their social insurance (PRSI) contribution record or where they only qualify for a reduced rate of State Pension Contributory.
According to Department records, the person concerned applied for a non-contributory State Pension on 08/04/2025. The claim for the person concerned was disallowed on the basis that they did not satisfy the Habitual Residency Conditions as he has not provided substantive evidence that he has been and is resident in the State. A letter advising the person concerned of this outcome and how to review and/or appeal this decision, issued to them on 18/07/2025.
On 11/09/2025, the person concerned sought a review of the decision on their non-contributory State Pension. On 17/09/2025, the Deciding Officer upheld their original decision on the same basis initially provided.
The person concerned has since submitted an appeal in relation to their non-contributory State Pension. The outcome of the appeal will issue in due course.
The person concerned applied for basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA)on the 29/01/2026 while pending the outcome of their non-contributory State Pension and subsequent appeal. Basic SWA provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. As part of the application process, a person must provide personal, financial, household, and other information in support of their claim to determine eligibility and to establish a need. Furthermore, the person must also satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition.
In order to fully establish the circumstances of the person concerned, a meeting was held between a Community Welfare Officers and the person concerned on 17/02/2026. The person concerned has been asked to provide documentary evidence in support of their claim, including evidence that they are habitually resident. The person concerned has been provided with two weeks from the date of the meeting above to provide evidence of same. Once this information/documentation has been received, the claim will be processed swiftly. I trust this clarifies the matter.