Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
568. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for a State pension, contributory, received by her Department in the past 12 months; the number granted, refused or pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26549/21]
View answerDuring the past 12 months a total of 36,739 applications for State pension (contributory) were registered by my Department. Of these, 33,669 claims have been finalised. 15,625 applicants qualified for State pension (contributory) and 6,781 applications were withdrawn where the persons concerned, although they qualified for pension, were already in receipt of a higher payment from my Department. Some 11,263 applicants did not satisfy the qualifying conditions for State pension (contributory). The number of pending claims as at end-April 2021 is 7,586.
My Department is committed to ensuring that State pension (contributory) claims are processed as expeditiously as possible. The operational target for State pension (contributory) claims is to have 90% of timely applications awarded (where qualified) by entitlement date, currently the applicant's 66th birthday.
The State Pension Contributory Section in my Department processes pension applications in order of pension age, rather than date of receipt. This ensures that, where possible, applicants will receive a decision in respect of their State pension (contributory) by date of entitlement.
Processing of pension claims depends on the individual nature of applicants’ circumstances. It is also dependent on the completeness of applications received and the availability of the required information.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
