asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that, when a person ceases to draw social welfare benefit and then becomes entitled to the old age pension, there is a delay in payment; and if steps will be taken to end this practice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensions.
12.
Every effort is made by my Department to ensure there is no delay in the type of case mentioned by the Deputy and I am not aware that there is any general delay in such cases. If, however, the Deputy has a particular case in mind, I shall have it investigated if he will let me have details.
In such matters, would the Minister ask his Department to send out the old age pension book before asking for the return of the other book? There have been cases where the pensioners have been asked to return their books first and, pending receipt of the old age pension book, they are left without their pensions.
Would the Minister consider asking his Department to notify people who are reaching 70 years of age and are drawing either employment or disability benefit of their entitlement and what they should do to obtain benefit without long delay? In many cases payment is not made because the documents are not submitted in time.
It should not occur.
I know that but it does occur.