State pension: Is anyone entitled? Regardless of other means?

[Dinarius]

The reason I ask is the following:

I have an elderly friend who is the widow of a former Bank of Ireland branch manager.

Since his retirement (he died about 10 years after retirement) she has been living on their BofI pension.

She stopped working as soon as they married and never worked again.

1. Is she entitled to a state pension in addition to the BofI pension?

2. If so, is any claim back-datable?

Many thanks.

D.

 

[Towger]

A Yes, depending on her stamps. She might not get the full pension, but could get a good chunk of it.
B Yes, but only for 4 years.

 

[Dinarius]

Towger,

Many thanks for the prompt reply.

She stopped working for BofI in the 1930s (she's 97) and probably would only have worked for a few years after school. So, I guess she won't have too many stamps.

The reason I ask is that she is thinking of spending her last days in a care home and, given the cost of these places, every bit would help.

Where can I/she find out how many stamps she has?

Would she have to go to the relevant department, or could she do the necessary by phone/post?

Many thanks.

D.

 

[Black Sheep]

She can get records of all PRSI paid by her from:-
The Central Records Section
Gandon House
Amiens St
Dublin 1

Drop them a line giving her name (and maiden name) and PPS no. and request records of all contributions made by her.
I'm not sure that B of I staff paid the full PRSI contribution in the those days as I think they may have been classed as Semi-State who paid a reduced rate of PRSI.

Does she have a State widows pension!!!!

 

[ClubMan]

1. Is she entitled to a state pension in addition to the BofI pension?

There are two classes of state pension - contributory which is based on PRSI contributions and not means tested, and non contributory which is means tested. If she meets the relevant PRSI contribution and other conditions then she will qualify for a contributory pension regardless of any other means/pension payments.