Pensions backlog leaves 5,400 waiting for weeks

MORE than 5,000 pensioners are having to wait for up to two months before they get their retirement pensions from the State, figures showed yesterday.

The delays at the Department of Social and Family Affairs are being caused by a rise in pension applications, a new computer system and staff re-training.

Fine Gael said the backlog of 5,400 pension claims is leaving retired men and women without money for up to seven weeks.