Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2483. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason that 39% of State pension non-contributory claims were not awarded within processing time standards, according to the public service performance report 2017. [33279/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to ensuring that claims for its pension schemes are processed as expeditiously as possible. However, claims for means-tested payments, in particular, given their nature can require more detailed investigation and interaction with the applicant, thereby lengthening the decision making process. State pension non-contributory (SPNC) is a means tested pension with increasing complexity attached to the processing of applications. These challenges can arise from the background and age of claimants, their possible multiple sources of income and savings which can also include stocks, shares and other assets. In addition, where claimants are born outside of Ireland delays can occur while necessary supporting documentation for the pension application is being sourced either directly from the claimant or social security organisations in other jurisdictions.
The SPNC scheme area has a performance target of 75% of new claims to be awarded within 12 weeks of receipt. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that in June 2018, the average time to award was 11 weeks, compared to 13 weeks in June 2017 and 69% of claims were awarded within the target timeframe. I wish to assure the Deputy that prompt processing of claims remains a priority for me and that processing times are kept under constant review.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
