Seán Sherlock
Question:905. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will make the form for the benefit payment for 65-year olds available to download and print rather than on request only. [31554/21]
View answerTuesday, 15 June 2021
Questions (905)
Written answers
The new Benefit Payment for 65 year olds was introduced in fulfilment of a commitment in the Programme for Government to address the position of people who retire from employment at age 65. The scheme is designed primarily as an online service and the quickest way to apply for the Benefit Payment for 65 year olds is through the MyWelfare online service. While my Department fully accepts that there are people aged 65 who cannot or do not wish to use the online service, it is the Department’s experience that the vast majority of customers are able to access and avail of the enhanced customer service available through MyWelfare. For those who cannot or do not wish to use the online service, a postal service is available as an alternative and information regarding making an application by post is available on www.gov.ie. Alternatively customers can ring the Department’s Income Support Helpline at 1890 800 024 and request that a form be posted to them or they have the option of calling into their local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office to make enquiries.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.