Is my mother eligible for state pension?

[Anon Dad]

Hi,
My Mum (80) was told 10 years ago that she was not eligible for a state pension as she never paid PRSI (or stamps) in Ireland.
She went to London and worked there at 18, and when she came back she was a full time mother/farmer.
From the time she came back my dad looked after all the tax returns for the farm.
He does get the state pension but when he passes she will have nothing.

The farm land is now leased out for €5,000/ year.
The farm may be worth €400k-600k. Im guessing there.
Are there published figures for any means test limits that determine eligibility?

Is it correct that she is not eligible for any state pension?
I will start the application process for her again but I would like to hear the opinion of others.

Many thanks,
Wavey.

 

[irbx]

Maybe she get this which is not means tested based on your dad's prsi record. Rates seem to closely match the state pension.

Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension

 

[BlackandBlue]

Is your father getting a qualifying adult payment for your mother?

 

[Annieindublin]

Won’t she get a widows pension?

I did some research recently for mum, similar age. Few years worked then home with kids.

No entitlement in her own right.

She will get half of dad’s pension, and I think widows pension.

 

[ClubMan]

Won’t she get a widows pension?

Qualification criteria summarised here:

Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension

A Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's contributory pension and related social welfare benefits may be payable if either the deceased person or their spouse/civil partner has enough PRSI contributions.

www.citizensinformation.ie

 

[Annieindublin]

I recall that my aunt got a widows pension when her farmer husband died. It was the first time she had income of her own… ever. She was amazed

 

[Anon Dad]

Is your father getting a qualifying adult payment for your mother?

As far as I know he just gets the standard state pension payment. Is this and additional payment?

 

[ClubMan]

Claiming for an adult dependant

You can get an increase in your social welfare payment for your adult dependant. This document explains who qualifies as an adult dependant.

www.citizensinformation.ie

 

[ClubMan]

Are there published figures for any means test limits that determine eligibility?

In case it's relevant...

State Pension (Non-Contributory)

The State Pension (Non-Contributory), previously called the Old Age Non-Contributory Pension, is a means-tested payment for people in Ireland aged 66 and over.

www.citizensinformation.ie

 

[Anon Dad]

Thanks for the replies and pointers. I will pursue these.

 

[Peanuts20]

If she worked in England, does she have a UK pension, did she pay stamps over there?

 

[Marsupial]

My Mum (80) was told 10 years ago that she was not eligible for a state pension as she never paid PRSI (or stamps) in Ireland.

Was she told this by someone who knew or by someone who thought that they knew?

I ask because if it turns out that she was or is eligible, she'll only get the payment backdated for 6 months - so she'll have lost 9½ years' entitlements.