Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
536 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a recipient of social welfare wishing to transfer from a book base payment to a bank lodgement payment effectively loses a week’s payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1040/05]
View answerPension payment by electronic funds transfer has been made weekly in arrears since November 2004, whereas pension payment by payable order — book voucher — is made weekly in advance. Most people who opt for electronic funds transfer do so when they make their initial claim so there is no interruption to the flow of payments for such claims. When an existing recipient opts to switch from pension book to electronic funds transfer, the different payment cycle may result in a temporary interruption of payment. I assure the Deputy that each person receives the same quantum of payments over the lifetime of his or her claim, regardless of the payment method.
