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Pensions Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 December 2018

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Questions (533)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

533. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the waiting times to process applications for the State pension (non-contributory); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53502/18]

View answer

Written answers

My Department is committed to ensuring that claims for its pension schemes are processed as expeditiously as possible. However, claims for means-tested payments, in particular, remain a challenge and given their nature can require more detailed engagement with the applicant, thereby lengthening the decision making process. State pension non-contributory (SPNC) is a means tested pension with increasing complexity attached to the processing of applications. These challenges can arise from the background and age of claimants, their possible multiple sources of income and savings which can also include stocks, shares and other assets. In addition, an increasing number of claimants are born outside of Ireland and delays can occur while necessary supporting documentation for the pension application is being sourced either directly from the claimant or social security organisations in other jurisdictions. In some instances, claimants do not provide the full information required at application stage. This can slow down the processing of their claim and may result in the need for a visit by an inspector of the Department and perhaps multiple requests for further information before a final decision can be taken on the application.

The SPNC scheme area has a performance target of 75% of new claims to be awarded within 12 weeks of receipt. I understand from my Department that in November 2018, the average time to award was 9 weeks and 80% of claims were awarded within the target timeframe. I wish to assure the Deputy that prompt processing of claims remains a priority for me and that processing times are kept under constant review.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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