2093. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has examined the gender and financial-independence implications of assessing a spouse’s, civil partner’s or cohabitant’s means when determining entitlement to the State pension (non-contributory), particularly where a woman has little or no independent income; whether reforms to provide greater individual entitlement are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63768/26]

For those 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, the means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory) is available.

Social welfare legislation provides that means tests take account of the income and assets of the person (and their spouse or partner, if applicable) applying for the relevant scheme. Means assessments generally include income from employment, self-employment, occupational pensions and maintenance payments. They also include assessment of property owned other than the family home and capital such as cash, savings, shares, and other investments.

The purpose of the means test on certain welfare payments is to ensure that resources are directed to those with the greatest need for income supports by the State. The rules contained in Schedule 3 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005, as amended, provide that for means-tested social assistance schemes, including the State Pension (Non-Contributory), all income and assets belonging to the applicant, and his or her spouse/partner or cohabitant where applicable, are assessable for means-testing purposes.

Couples living together in a household can be assumed to pool resources, at least to some extent. This assumption means the delivery of income support must take account of total household means, rather than just the means of the claimant, in determining how to target income support. In the case of State Pension (Non-Contributory), the means of a couple are added together, and halved, in arriving at an applicant's assessable means.

Alternatively, where a person's spouse or partner is in receipt of a State Pension (Contributory), they can apply for an increase for a Qualified Adult, amounting up to 90% of a full rate State Pension (Contributory). Entitlement to this increase is based on the Qualified Adult's means only and does not include the income of the primary recipient in the means test. Currently an increase for a Qualified Adult to the State Pension (Contributory) is payable at the maximum rate of €268.40 (for a Qualified Adult over 66) where the means of the Qualified Adult are €100 a week or less, while reduced rates are payable where the means are over €100 and less than €310 per week. No increase is payable where the means of the Qualified Adult are in excess of €310 per week.

My Department is conducting a review of means testing within the social protection system. The aim is to examine various means-tested schemes and identify any issues related to the respective means tests. With over 140 schemes and services, many of which are means-tested, this is a complex and detailed task. I expect this review to be submitted for my consideration shortly.

Any prospective changes to means testing arrangements will need to be evaluated and considered within the broader context of overall policy and budgetary considerations.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.