Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
987. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection if a directive will be implemented to ensure that recipients of non-contributory pensions in Ireland who have temporary protection status must collect their social welfare payments by presenting at a post office, rather than through a bank account; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1999/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides two main payment options for its customers: payment in cash at post offices or payment directly into customer accounts by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). Last year, approximately 69% of all Social Welfare payments were made by EFT and 31% were by cash collection at post offices. A small number of ad hoc payments were also made by cheque.
Where possible, customers are offered a choice of payment method and their wishes are facilitated, whether they choose to collect their social welfare payment in cash at a post office or receive the payment directly into their account in a bank, a credit union or in An Post.
With the exception of a small number of schemes, due to control reasons, my Department remains committed to providing all social welfare recipients with a choice of payment method. My Department will respect customer choice as appropriate and make payments in line with customer preference where choice is available.
The small number of schemes, where there is no customer payment preference, the Department pays recipients their social welfare payment through the post office network. This applies to all recipients of these schemes.
From a scheme perspective the Department does not treat recipients of the same scheme differently based on the characteristics of the different cohorts in receipt of a payment under that scheme.
I therefore do not propose to move to a situation where all recipients of the State Pension non-contributory would be required to collect their pension payment at their local post office. Nor do I propose treating certain classes of pensioners in receipt of the Non-Contributory State Pension differently than other pensioners in receipt of the same payment.
