Minister urged to end pensions delay

WE in Age Action are concerned that 2,500 pensioners are forced to wait for up to four weeks to have their pension applications processed.

The problem first emerged last July when it was confirmed the waiting time to have pension applications processed was 14 weeks.

The Department of Social and Family Affairs blamed the backlog on the fact that a new computer system was being introduced and staff were being trained.

At the time Minister Seamus Brennan gave a public assurance that resources would be provided to end the backlog.

Eight months later, the delays are continuing, although the department says the backlog is now down to three or four weeks.

The applicants have retired and are dependent on their State pension, which they presumed would come on stream automatically.

In hardship cases, they have been advised at social welfare offices to apply for a loan from the welfare officer.

Some pensioners are among the poorest people in the country and are therefore hit harder by payment delays. We urge the minister and his officials to address these issues as a matter of priority to ensure pensioners are treated with the dignity they deserve.

Eamon Timmins

Head of Advocacy and Communications

Age Action,

30-31 Lr Camden Street

Dublin 2