Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The most recent figures available from end of September 2014 show that the average time taken to decide a new invalidity pension (IP) claim is 8 weeks. This excludes claims which are awarded following a review and/or appeal. It also excludes claims made under EU regulations or bi-lateral agreements which are more complex and take longer to decide. As at the end of October 2014 there were 2,364 IP claims registered, actioned, and awaiting information necessary to finalise a decision.

In addition, the Department has recently introduced a process whereby illness benefit (IB) recipients who are nearing the expiry of their limited duration IB

payment are proactively reviewed to establish whether they may have a potential entitlement to invalidity pension. This process utilises the medical and contribution information already available to the Department. The customers so identified are required only to complete a short supplementary form, which is processed promptly on return to the department, ensuring an improved and streamlined customer service.