Social Welfare Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023

Tuesday, 4 July 2023

Questions (404)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

404. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was not switched automatically from disability allowance to a State pension (non-contributory) on reaching the maximum allowable age limit for the allowance; if she is aware that the local office and the social welfare inspector are still conducting inquiries six months after the person's sole financial assistance was suspended; the reason for the delay in its decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32654/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

State 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.

All recipients of disability allowance are informed, in writing, three months in advance of reaching state pension age, that their disability allowance payment will cease from their 66th birthday and the need, if they wish, to apply for a state pension (contributory or non-contributory). As the means assessment frameworks for disability allowance and state pension non-contributory differ, there is no automatic transfer process between these schemes.

An application for state pension non-contributory was received from the person concerned on 9 December 2022. On 23 February 2023, a Social Welfare Inspector reported to the Deciding Officer that the applicant had failed to provide certain requested financial documentation. The Deciding Officer disallowed the person's application as they had failed to disclose their means.

On 9 March 2023, the case was re-activated and referred back to the Social Welfare Inspector as the Department was advised that the person had been in hospital. On 15 May 2023, the Inspector issued a communication to the person concerned requesting confirmation of the capital value of their farm or, if still farming the land, a copy of their farm accounts. To date, no reply has been received from the person concerned. The Inspector has re-issued this information request on 30 June 2023. The Inspector has been requested to expedite completion of their investigation and to contact the applicant again seeking the outstanding information.

On receipt of the Inspector’s further report, a Deciding Officer will make a determination on the eligibility of the person concerned for state pension non-contributory and the person will be notified of the outcome in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.