Cross-border pension entitlements

tommy trash

Hi all,

Does anyone know what the rules/law is in relation to someone who has spent their entire life in another jurisdiction i.e. the north but is from the state.

My mother has been living in the north for the past 30 years though was a housewife so never worked or claimed benefit. Because she never claimed benefit she never made any national insurance contributions, and therefore has been denied a pension in the north (she later made some contributions through disability benefit.) She worked prior to marriage in the state, but the Irish authorities have said that she did not work long enough to qualify for an Irish pension. Has anyone ever been in a similar situation, or know of anyone that can help?

Thank you
Tom

haveringchick

Is your mother going to move to the Republic of Ireland permanently?

tommy trash

Apologies for the late reply - no she is in the north at present and most likely will stay.

If she moved to the south permanently, she would be entitled to the old age person anyway?

haveringchick

If she moved to the Republic of Ireland she would would have to prove the Habitual Residence Condition
She would have to show evidence that she had severed all ties with the U.K. , that she had no property in the UK, that she had surrendered her entitlements to housing in the UK that she had no entitlement to SW benefits from the UK that she didn't hold any bank accounts in the UK, and so on and so forth
Then she would have to prove that the Republic was her new permanent home by getting a PPSN producing a rental agreement or proof of having purchased a house, opening a bank A/C in the republic, show that she has friends family and supports here
If she satisfies the HRC then she can apply for a non con state pension for which she will be means tested
What is her means of income right now?