It has always been the case that people claiming social welfare payments are required to make their claim within a specified period. Where a claim is not made on time payment can only be backdated for a specified period the duration of which varies with the type of claim.
Legislation in this matter has recently been significantly improved in the case of retirement, old age and survivors contributory pensions. Previously the general limit on backdating of payments was six months. The limit is now 12 months as provided for in the Social Welfare Act, 1997. This means that full arrears are now paid for up to 12 months prior to the date of claim.
Furthermore, under regulations which I made last February, the proportion of arrears due in respect of the period beyond 12 months may also be paid. The regulations also provide for the possibility of full arrears in cases where claims are delayed due to force majeure, proven incapacity on the part of the applicant, to departmental error and to alleviate current financial hardship.
Payment of full arrears in all late claims cases, regardless of the circumstances for the delay in claiming, would give rise to extremely significant ongoing additional costs. It is also reasonable in the context of proper management of the system that people claim on time and have the responsibility for so doing. Apart from the cost of financing late claims the administration and processing involved is time consuming and inefficient, especially where circumstances may have to be verified long after the event.
The changes which have recently been made represent a significant improvement in the position that has applied heretofore and strike a reasonable balance between the need for effective management of the system and appropriate recognition to be given to cases of genuine hardship or difficulty. I strongly encourage people to submit claims promptly to my Department if they consider they might be eligible under a scheme. In this way they will receive their full entitlements from the time their need first arose. Information and scheme claim forms are widely available throughout the country, from my Department and from other information centres, on the range of social welfare services available.