Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2023
194. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which waiting times for payments in respect of means-tested applications compare with contribution-related payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6350/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department reports on targets agreed between the Management Board and relevant scheme areas on a scheme by scheme basis and not on the basis of processing times for means tested schemes compared to those for contributory based schemes.
Some schemes such as long-term illness related schemes require a high level of documentary evidence from the customer resulting in longer processing times while other schemes may not require the same level of documentation and can be processed in a shorter time span. For this reason all scheme specific eligibility criteria is taken into account when establishing each schemes processing target. This being the case, a comparison between processing times for means tested schemes versus contributory schemes is of little value.
On a monthly basis, each schemes actual processing is compared to their target. In addition we look at the average number of weeks it takes award a new application. Any variance is then investigated and corrective action taken where required.
My Department strives to ensure that all claims are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible and customer service is maintained at a high level. I am pleased to report that the majority of schemes are meeting targets at present.
Processing times for the main scheme areas are as follows at end of December 2022:
|
Scheme |
Target Set |
% Achieved December 2022 |
Average weeks to award December 2022 |
|
Contribution based Schemes |
|||
|
State Pension Contributory |
90% by date ofentitlement |
95% |
6 |
|
Widow(er)'s Contributory Pension |
90% in 6 weeks |
95% |
1 |
|
Jobseeker's Benefit |
90% in 3 weeks |
96% |
1 |
|
Maternity Benefit |
90% by due date |
93% |
6 |
|
Paternity Benefit |
90% by commencement of leave |
94% |
6 |
|
Parents Benefit |
90% by commencement of leave |
86% |
1 |
|
Illness Benefit |
90% in 1 week |
95% |
1 |
|
Carer's Benefit |
90% in 12 weeks |
Not Available |
6 |
|
Invalidity Pension |
90% in 10 weeks |
90% |
8 |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
90% in 1 week |
58% |
1 |
|
Means Tested Based Schemes |
|||
|
State Pension (Non-Contributory) |
75% in 12 weeks |
87% |
6 |
|
Jobseeker's Allowance |
90% in 6 weeks |
97% |
1 |
|
One-Parent Family Payment |
90% in 10 weeks |
96% |
3 |
|
Working Family Payment |
90% in 6 weeks |
- |
5 |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
90% in 1 week |
85% |
1 |
|
Disability Allowance |
75% in 10 weeks |
83% |
8 |
|
Carer's Allowance |
75% in 11 Weeks |
87% |
7 |
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
