Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 June 2026
221. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection to review the pension entitlement including a review of contributions of a person (details supplied).; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48190/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned reached pension age on 5 December 2018. An application for State Pension (contributory) was received by my Department in October 2018.
A letter issued on 16 November 2018 to inform them that they did not qualify for a contributory pension as they did not have the minimum 520 full rate paid contributions required. The records of my Department show that they have 434 full rate paid contributions. A copy of their contribution record was included with this letter. If they consider that there are additional paid contributions that have not been recorded, it is open to them to forward documentary evidence to Social Welfare Services Office, College Road, Sligo, F91 T384.
The current State pension (contributory) system gives significant recognition and support to those whose work history includes extended periods outside of paid employment, often to raise families or in a full-time caring role. This is done through the award of credited contributions, including HomeCaring Periods, and the award of Homemaking Periods. Credited contributions may not be used to meet the 520 paid contributions requirement. They are only used to increase a claimant's entitlement where they meet the other qualifying conditions of the scheme.
If the person concerned has provided full-time care to incapacitated dependents for 20 years (1,040 weeks) or more, it is open to them to apply for long-term carers contributions. If eligible, the equivalent of paid contributions will be attributed to cover gaps in their contribution record. The periods of caregiving do not need to be consecutive. The quickest way to apply for long-term carers contributions is online at MyWelfare.ie.
Where a person aged 66 or over does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a contributory pension or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for the State pension (non-contributory). This is a means-tested payment with a maximum payment of €288.00 per week, which is equivalent to 96% of the contributory pension. The quickest way to apply is on line at MyWelfare.ie.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
