Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
630. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications currently awaiting processing for invalidity pension; the maximum time an applicant is currently waiting to have the assessment process concluded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16836/13]
View answerThere is no backlog of Invalidity claims at present. As at the end of March 2013 there were 2,627 Invalidity Pension (IP) claims registered, actioned and awaiting information to finalise a decision. This includes approximately 660 cases which are being investigated under EU regulations or bi-lateral agreements. These cases are more complex and take longer to decide.
Approximately 220 new invalidity pension claims are received in the Department each week. These are examined on receipt and a decision is completed where all information is available. If a medical assessment and/or further information is required, it is requested without delay.
Once all the necessary information is received, the claim is processed.
Almost 60% of our current claims are awaiting a decision for 2 months or less. Delays may occur while waiting for a medical assessment or if a person has not returned documentation requested. Where a claim is disallowed and the customer requests a review of the decision or appeals the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, this requires an additional amount of time to finalise
