The person concerned applied for their state pension (contributory) on 26th January 2017. To ensure that the Deciding Officer can be satisfied that the record upon which a person’s entitlement is based is accurate and refers to the correct individual, it is sometimes necessary to investigate certain aspects of the relevant social insurance history. This can result in a delay in processing the claim and making a decision.
The person concerned has been awarded a state pension (contributory) with effect from 16 April 2017, their 66th birthday. A letter informing the person of this decision was issued on 12 June 2017. Due arrears of pension have also issued by cheque to the person concerned.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Minister.