Social Protection | To ask the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which satisfactory provision has been made for those retiring at 65 years of age

To ask the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which satisfactory provision has been made for those retiring at 65 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

I introduced the Benefit Payment for 65 Year olds last year under the Jobseeker’s Benefit and Jobseeker’s Benefit Self Employed social insurance schemes to bridge the gap for people who retire at 65 but do not qualify for State Pension until they are aged 66. There are currently approximately 4,700 people receiving this support.

A key feature of the payment is that recipients do not have to sign on or partake in activation measures or be available for and genuinely seeking work to avail of it. Unlike other Jobseeker’s Benefit customers who are paid at a graduated rate according to their previous earnings, recipients of this payment are paid at the maximum personal rate of Jobseeker’s Benefit.  This rate has increased from €203 to €208 under Budget 2022 and increases are also paid for qualifying adult and child dependents.

Where a person does not meet the PRSI contribution requirements for receipt of Benefit Payment for 65 year olds, they may be eligible for the means tested Jobseeker’s Allowance.  

I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.