Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding pension forms in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52878/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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My Department produces a range of application forms for the various schemes it administers.

While downloadable versions of all primary application forms are available on my Department’s website www.welfare.ie, I am very conscious of the fact that some customers may not have access to, or may not feel comfortable using the website. For that reason, these forms are made available through alternative channels.

Supplies of the most popular forms are distributed annually to Social Welfare Local Offices, Citizens Information Centres and post offices throughout the country and arrangements are in place for the distribution and, if necessary, printing of further supplies if the need arises.

Application forms are available from headquarter buildings of my Department and from the Department’s Information & Customer Service area, based in the Sligo Social Welfare Services Office. This area can be contacted on LoCall 1890 66 22 44. Forms can also be requested by calling my Department’s LoCall Leaflet Request Line at 1890 20 23 25.

Customers can also use their mobile phone to request an application form by sending an SMS (text) message containing the relevant Form Code, followed by their name and address to 51909. The details of how to do so are contained in the table. I am satisfied that the various channels offered allows the Department’s customers access application forms in a way that best meets their needs.

SMS Form Request Service

For example, to request a Bereavement Grant form, text FORM BG Mary Murphy, 1 New Street, Old Town, Co. Donegal to 51909.