Carers Credit System Included In National Pensions Framework
A new pension credit system for carers is provided for under the National Pensions Framework, according to local Fianna Fáil TD Niall Blaney. 22/03/10“The National Pensions Framework was published by the Government this month, setting out a major reform of future State, private and public service pension provision.”
“Included in the long-term pension plan was detail of plans for the introduction of a system of pension credits for carers to replace the current homemakers’ disregard.”
“This means that carers will be better recognised for the work they do.”
“The Government will introduce credits from 2012, and allow backdating to 1994, for the purposes of the averaging system that will continue until 2020. This means that people reaching pension age after the credits are introduced will have credits rather than disregards applied to their records to cover periods of care since 1994 (up to a maximum of 20 years).”
“The NPF also provide for the introduction of a ‘total contributions’ approach to replace the current averaging system used in calculating a person’s eligibility for a contributory pension. On the introduction of the ‘total contributions approach’ in 2020, the maximum number of credits applicable for pension purposes will be 520 (i.e. 10 years).”
“Carers make a very significant and important contribution to society by providing for family members and loved ones and they deserve every support the Government can give them.”
“This is a small but very important part of the Government’s pension reform plan and I want to welcome the deserved recognition being paid to carers,” concluded Niall Blaney TD.
