asked the Minister for Social Welfare why payment of the old age pension was stopped in the case of a person (particulars supplied) who left hospital, returned home, had her pension book returned and had a payment made to her.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Withdrawal of Old Age Pension.
35.
The pension in this case is a widow's non-contributory pension.
The pension book was sent to the post office for re-issue to the widow following receipt from the Deputy on 21st February last of information that she had returned home from hospital. On 16th March, my Department received from the Deputy an undated letter from the widow in which she complained that she had not received her pension book. As it thus appeared that the book had been lost in transit, the normal action in such cases was taken, including stopping payment. Subsequent inquiries have established that the book was in the widow's possession when the undated letter was received in my Department and payment of pension has been restored.
Is the Minister aware that after the book had been returned, she received payment for two weeks and then payment stopped? How could it be assumed that the book was lost?
When it was reported that the book was not received, we assumed it was lost and took action to stop payment. Payment in that case would be stopped for any person holding the book.