Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
495. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection the current average processing times for all social welfare payments; the number of applications received for each payment; the number of applications processed to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34799/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department always seeks to ensure that claims are dealt with quickly and efficiently, understanding the many pressures faced by customers. I am pleased to report that claim processing is up to date with processing targets met, or exceeded, for the main scheme areas.
Processing times vary across schemes, depending on the differing eligibility criteria. Schemes that require a high level of documentary evidence from the customer, particularly in the case of illness-related schemes, can take longer to process. Similarly, means-tested schemes can also require more detailed investigations and interaction with the customer, thereby lengthening the decision-making process.
The table below shows the number of applications received and processed from Jan to May 2023, together with the current processing times (for May 2023) and the performance targets for each scheme.
|
Scheme Type |
No. of new applications received (Jan to end May 2023) |
No. of applications processed (Jan to end May 2023) (total includes reapplications & reviews) |
Target Weeks to Process Claims |
Average number of weeks to process claims (current - May 2023) |
Percentage of claims awarded within target |
|
Carer's Allowance |
9,610 |
12,052 |
75% within 10 weeks |
7 |
94% |
|
Carer's Benefit |
1,966 |
2,583 |
90% within 12 weeks |
4 |
Not available |
|
Child Benefit |
14,700 |
17,200 |
90% within 4 weeks |
1 |
75% |
|
Disability Allowance |
11,586 |
14,969 |
75% within 10 weeks |
9 |
73% |
|
Domiciliary Care Allowance |
4,910 |
5,291 |
90% within 10 weeks |
5 |
95% |
|
Free Travel |
Not Available |
4,130 |
90% within 2 weeks |
7 |
98% |
|
Household Benefits |
29,261 |
41,701 |
90% within 4 weeks |
1 |
99% |
|
Illness Benefit |
163,758 |
163,133 |
90% within 1 week |
1 |
94% |
|
Invalidity Pension |
3,975 |
6,182 |
90% within 10 weeks |
7 |
93% |
|
Jobseekers Allowance |
46,685 |
44,732 |
90% within 6 weeks |
1 |
96% |
|
Jobseekers Benefit |
57,903 |
59,183 |
90% within 3 weeks |
1 |
95% |
|
Maternity Benefit |
17,649 |
17,886 |
90% by Due date |
6 |
97% |
|
Occupational Injury Benefit |
3,668 |
3,753 |
90% within 1 week |
1 |
61% |
|
One Parent Family Payment |
5,211 |
4,291 |
90% within 10 weeks |
3 |
96% |
|
Parents Benefit |
35,525 |
36,364 |
90% of commencement of leave |
1 |
87% |
|
Paternity Benefit |
11,650 |
11,238 |
90% by commencement of leave |
6 |
88% |
|
State Pension Contributory |
22,262 |
19,904 |
90% by date of entitlement |
7 |
99% |
|
State Pension Non-Contributory |
5,494 |
6,480 |
75% within 12 weeks |
6 |
86% |
|
Supplementary Welfare Allowance |
24,700 |
25,765 |
90% within 1 week |
1 |
82% |
|
Widows Contributory Pension |
3,992 |
4,074 |
90% within 6 weeks |
2 |
94% |
|
Working Family Payment |
12,346 |
13,811 |
90% within 6 weeks |
7 |
Not available |
Overall, I am pleased that my Department continues to ensure that the customer service has been maintained at a high level.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
