Noel O'Flynn (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 414: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will allow more flexibility in pension payments relative to the electronic payment method; if an agent will be allowed to sign; and if the validation period will be maintained at 12 weeks rather than 20 days. [6120/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The current range of payment options offered by my Department to customers' includes payment at a local post office or to a bank or building society account; or certain credit unions that have been authorised by the banking and credit union regulators. Customers opt for a particular payment method having regard to their own personal circumstances.

Currently some 50% of customers receive their payment electronically direct to their Post Office, bank or financial institution. The remaining customers are paid by paper based payment instruments — cheques, post drafts or personal payment order books.

The Department is implementing a three-year strategy to change paper based payment instruments to electronic payments at post offices and financial institutions. The programme is being implemented on a phased basis to coincide with book renewal production schedules and as personalised payable order books expire.

Concerns have been raised about the position of customers who use "agents" to collect their payments. The Department is aware of these concerns and have put in place arrangements to continue using book payments in these cases.

Customers who collect their payment at a post office will present their Social Services Card and sign for their payment in the normal way. Payments can be collected up to 60 days after the due date in the case of pensioners and up to 100 days for child benefit recipients. Certain other customers have 20 days to collect their payment which is considered to be the optimum time for collection of a weekly means based payment. Payments that go out of date are returned to the Department, which will be arranged for replacement payment made as appropriate.