2059. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason that the contributory pension for a person (details supplied) was not backdated to the time the recipient turned 66; and if this decision can be reconsidered. [62542/26]

The person concerned reached pension age on 7 July 2020. An application for state pension contributory was received on 30 April 2021. The maximum rate of pension was awarded with effect from 29 October 2020 which included the statutory six-month backdating available under legislation.

The person concerned subsequently appealed the date of award to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. On 6 September 2021, the appeal was disallowed,, as it was found that the conditions for further backdating under the governing legislation had not been satisfied. In reaching this decision, the Appeals Officer noted that no medical evidence had been provided to demonstrate that the person concerned was so incapacitated as to be unable to make a claim or arrange for another person to do so on their behalf.

Should the person concerned submit additional evidence in support of a request for further backdating, my Department will consider any such evidence in accordance with the applicable legislative provisions.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.