James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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371. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on a non-contributory pension application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3906/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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State pension non-contributory is a means-tested payment for people aged 66 and over, habitually residing in the State, who do not qualify for a state pension contributory, or who only qualify for a reduced rate contributory pension based on their social insurance record.

An application for state pension non-contributory was received from the person concerned on 4 August 2023. On 15 August 2023, the case was referred to a Social Welfare Inspector to investigate the means of the person for pension eligibility purposes.

The Inspector returned their report to the Deciding Officer on 19 September 2023, confirming that, although they had interviewed the person concerned on 22 August 2023, some requested documentation was not provided and the Inspector was unable to establish the person’s means.

The Deciding Officer has been in contact with the person’s Social Worker, with a view to obtaining the outstanding documentation. The Social Worker has confirmed, on 25 January 2024, that they are liaising with the person concerned and their family, to assist in providing the requested documentation.

On receipt of the documentation, the Inspector will finalise their report. The Deciding Officer will make a determination on 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.