Vol. 488 No. 7
314 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason the arbitrary date of 1 January 1997 was chosen as the cut off point in relation to late claims for widow's contributory pension which was applicable in the case of a person (details supplied). [7223/98]
Up to 1997 the maximum period for which payment of pension could be backdated was six months. Under the Social Welfare Act, 1997, this was extended to 12 months for claims made after 1 January 1997. Recent regulations also provide for a proportionate back-payment for more than 12 months in these cases.
The elimination of any restriction on late claiming would have major financial implications and would reduce the resources available for other improvements. I consider that the arrangements which now apply and which represent a considerable improvement on the previous situation, are fair and reasonable in the circumstances.
