Vol. 463 No. 7
23 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has regarding an alternative payment system for old age pensioners who are unable to travel to the post office to collect their weekly pensions. [7221/96]
Since May 1993, the Department has been offering a facility to contributory old age pension and retirement pension clients to have their pension payments credited directly into their bank, building society or post office accounts. This alternative to the pension book method of payment is offered on an optional basis. It is part of an ongoing departmental programme to improve service to the public and to introduce additional convenient payment options for social welfare customers.
This electronic funds transfer facility has now been extended to recipients of old age non-contributory pensions with effect from 29 March 1996. All new applicants for pension are offered this payment option. Any existing pensioners who wish to transfer to this payment method will be facilitated.
Pensioners also have an option to appoint an agent, either on a temporary or permanent basis, to encash their pension for them at their normal post office. Any pensioner wishing to appoint an agent for this purpose should contact the Department in advance in order to make the appropriate arrangements.
In addition, pension payable orders remain valid for up to three months after the due encashment date. This provides some flexibility without any payment loss, to pensioners who are unable to encash their pension at their post office in any particular week.
