Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2019
77. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when she expects paper forms to be available for use by those in receipt of reduced contributory pensions post-2012 who have been unable to complete the online review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8067/19]
View answerSince the end of September 2018, my Department has been examining the social insurance records of pensioners born on or after 1 September 1946 who have an entitlement to and are being paid a reduced State pension Contributory under post Budget 2012 rate bands. Their rate of payment will be reviewed under recently enacted legislation.
Last month, almost 24,000 requests for additional information have been issued to pensioners. These requests includes details on how to return the required information using the Department’s online services and also provided a dedicated telephone number to to call if people had difficulty using the online application. Details of those who called have been recorded so that paper applications could be issued to them. Paper applications have began issuing this week to these pensioners.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
