Submission 66
February 2008
A review of pensions, Transition and State Contributory is required now in 2008 as there are pensioners today who left the workforce prior to Carers Act 1994 to care for family members, siblings/parents or to get married and need to be considered now due to the high cost of living. Most of them are single people who have the same outgoings as a married couple/partner but have only one income to survive on.
Contribution condition
Persons are at present prevented from getting a pension because they do not satisfy the condition of 260 paid stamps and the shortfall cannot be purchased by voluntary contributions or credits. The condition should be changed so that it can to be make up of a combination of paid and credited contributions.
Alternatively, a universal pension similar to pre-1953 would correct this now not in 2012 when 520 paid contributions are required.
Pro-Rata Pensions
If the pensioner has 260 paid cons abroad he should be given the difference between EU rate and Irish rate of pension on the strength of Irish contributions paid or credited to his record here because of the high cost of living in Ireland especially if resident in Ireland for a number of years.
Pensioners Allowance
Single pensioners on one income pension should receive a high increase in living alone allowance.
Fuel Allowance should not be means-tested, especially to carers of sibling/parents and if a single pensioner (especially suffering from a chronic illness).
Pensioner caring for relative should be exempt of road tax if the patient is unable to avail of travel pass.
Gas Company needs to show more transparency on Gas Bill. Allowance is not itemised or carry forward kilowatts shown.
NTL costs have risen considerably. Can the increases not be discounted for the pensioner?
Telecom Eireann have a charge for delivery of cordless phone. Can the increase be absorbed in the interest of security for the elderly.
A free call number (1800) should apply for all calls to the S/W Dept as it is impossible to get through without holding on indefinitely and especially since all departments are in the country. 1850 and 1890 numbers are charged at full rate as not included in package deals by Telecom.
For taxation purposes, pensioners must be notified of Pension Act each year as pension is now paid into bank.
If a person accepts a reduced contributory pension at age 65/66 and there is a Reform Bill to their advantage can they claim the difference at a later date to improve their existing amount and will they be notified as to the up-date situation?
