Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
572. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the processing of applications for widow's and widower's State pensions are up to date at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26553/21]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that accurate decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. Processing targets for my Department are set out each year in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for the Public Service and are kept under review.
At present, the target for all widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's contributory pensions applications is to have 90% of claims processed within six weeks.
My Department is currently processing 95% of all widow's, widower's or surviving civil partner's contributory pensions applications within one week of their having been received. However, some applications may take longer as further documents such as necessary certificates or social insurance records are required to allow a decision to be made.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
