Vol. 510 No. 5
191 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason arrears of a contributory widow's pension have not been paid to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23125/99]
The person concerned submitted a late claim for widow's contributory pension on 15 October 1996. She was awarded
pension from 19 April 1996, which was six months prior to the date of claim. This was the maximum period of backdating then allowable under the legislation applicable in her case. Arrangements were made in December 1998 to pay further arrears, on a proportionate basis in the case of late claims made before 1 January 1997. Under these arrangements, the person concerned received a further 44 weeks arrears of pension amounting to £2,954.70.
The only circumstances in which further arrears could be paid would be in the event of proven incapacity on the part of the applicant to apply for pension on time, force majeure, Departmental error, or to alleviate current financial hardship. Following representations on her behalf a reply issued to the person concerned on 31 August 1998 advising her of the exceptional circumstances in which she may claim further arrears. To date no reply has been received.
The position in this regard will be reviewed if, having regard to the exceptional circumstances in which these payments can be made, further relevant information is supplied by or on behalf of the person concerned.
