2053. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are circumstances that contributions paid after a person is over 66, still in employment can be used so those contributions will take them over the minimum 520 requirement for a State pension (Contributory); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58241/26]

Qualification for the State Pension (Contributory) is based on a number of factors, including the requirement to be aged 66 or over and to have 520 reckonable social insurance contributions.

In December 2023, legislation was enacted to introduce a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system in response to the recommendations of the Commission on Pensions. A key measure was the introduction of a flexible pension system for those who reach age 66 on or after the 1 January 2024. This new system is about providing people with choice. People are still able to draw-down their State Pension (Contributory) at age 66. Additionally, they may now choose to defer claiming their State Pension (Contributory) up to age 70 and receive an actuarially based increase in their weekly payment rate.

As a result, a person who reaches age 66 and who does not have sufficient contributions to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory) may use this period to continue to work to establish entitlement or increase their level of payment. Once they have reached the required 520 paid contributions, they may be eligible to receive credited contributions or HomeCaring periods to further increase their rate of payment.

Where a person does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for the State Pension (Contributory) or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for the means-tested non-contributory pension with a maximum payment equivalent to over 96% of the contributory rate.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.