1989. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection the pension entitlements for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60161/26]

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 (10 years) qualifying social insurance contributions. Qualifying contributions are paid PRSI contributions at Class A, E, F, G, H, N, or S.

Once a person reaches the required 520 contributions, they may be eligible to receive credited contributions to further increase their rate of payment. For a person who turns 66 in 2026, they must have 2080 (40 years) contributions and credits combined in order to qualify for the maximum rate pension, which is €299.30 in 2026.

In the case of a person who has at least 520 paid contributions but was unable to work and pay social insurance contributions for an extended period for health reasons, a person in receipt of Illness Benefit, Injury Benefit, or Invalidity Pension is awarded credited contributions in respect of any period in receipt of each respective payment. After entitlement to Illness Benefit or Injury Benefit is exhausted, a person can continue to submit medical certificates in order to continue to be awarded credited contributions. Where a person in receipt of Invalidity Pension reaches age 66, they qualify for the State Pension (Contributory) at the maximum rate.

Credited contributions may also be awarded in respect of time spent job seeking and time spent caring, subject to satisfying the relevant conditions.

In addition, where a person is unable to work due to full-time parental or caring responsibilities, up to 20 years of HomeCaring periods or Homemakers years/credits may be awarded in respect of the time spent caring or raising children, subject to satisfying the conditions of the respective scheme. For those caring for incapacitated dependents for more than 20 years, Long-term Carer's Contributions may be available.

Alternatively, where a person does not qualify for a State Pension (Contributory) at the maximum rate, they may apply for the State Pension (Non-Contributory), which is means tested. The maximum rate of the State Pension (Non-Contributory) is €288, which is 96% of the maximum State Pension (Contributory) rate.