Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
1205. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection the timeframe in which a person applying for a State pension should expect to hear back once they have submitted the necessary documents. [20856/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
According to the records of my Department, some 94% of customers were informed of the outcome of their pension application by date of entitlement. According to the latest figures available at end-March 2021, the average processing time achieved is 5 weeks.
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. Further investigation may be required before notification of decision where the applicant has been self-employed, where they have been in public sector employment or where they may have social insurance recorded in another country.
If the Deputy has a particular case which he wishes to enquire about, an update on their claim can be provided directly to the person concerned, based on their social insurance record and individual circumstances.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
