Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023
271. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the grounds upon which an application for a top-up of the State pension was refused in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30469/23]
View answerState pension (non-contributory) is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over who have a legal right of residence and habitually reside in the State, and who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or only qualify for a reduced-rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.
The state pension non-contributory application submitted by the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds of failure to provide sufficient evidence of habitual residence. A letter issued to the person concerned on 13 June 2023 outlining the decision and the reason(s) for the disallowance.
These further representations from the Deputy are accepted as a request for a review of the person's application. A further letter has been issued to the person setting out evidential requirements to determine their possible entitlement. On receipt of the requested documentation, a Deciding Officer will review the person's eligibility for state pension non-contributory and the person will be notified of the outcome in writing.
Separately, it is open to the daughter of the person concerned to apply for carer's benefit or carer's allowance in respect of care provision to the person. Application forms for both schemes are available at any INTREO Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office, or Citizens' Information Office, or can be downloaded at the following links:
www.gov.ie/en/service/2432ba-carers-allowance/.
www.gov.ie/en/service/455c16-carers-benefit/.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
