Currently 97% of applications for State pension (contributory) are decided by their date of entitlement. The average waiting time for a decision on a State pension (contributory) application is 3 weeks.
Table: State pension (contributory) applications on hand:
SPC applications awaiting decision (17 January 2013)
New applications
|
Part processed applications
|
985
|
345
|
The Department is committed to ensuring that State pension (contributory) applications are processed as expeditiously as possible. As part of the Department’s programme of service delivery modernisation, a range of initiatives aimed at streamlining the processing of State pension (contributory) applications, supported by modern technology, have been implemented in recent years. Operational processes, procedures and the organisation of work are continually reviewed to ensure that processing capability is maximised.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the prompt processing of State pension (contributory) applications remains a priority for me.