Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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621. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will outline the situation in relation to persons who were self-employed and paid their taxes to the Revenue Commissioners each year, which included an element for PRSI contributions, which allowed them to be eligible for the contributory old age pension but they were not aware that these contributions were building up and they did not apply for their pension on reaching their 66th birthday and subsequently applied and only had their pension backdated for six months resulting in them losing a number of years in pension entitlements to which they had contributed; if he will ensure that persons in this situation can apply for their pension from their 66th birthday at this stage where they have a full entitlement to it based on their contributions; the mechanism he will put in place to notify all persons concerned of their entitlement to a pension coming up to their 66th birthday; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41892/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Generally customers are more likely now than before to have an attachment to the workforce thus ensuring more awareness of their entitlements arising from their PRSI contributions. This, together with my Department’s focus on providing information to the public, ensures that people are more aware than ever of social welfare schemes and entitlements and are more likely to apply on time.

Late claims for the State pension (contributory) may only be backdated for a maximum period of 6 months. Backdating of a late claim beyond 6 months will be considered in circumstances where the failure to claim arose as the result of either incorrect information having been supplied by my Department, or the claimant’s serious incapacity by illness or infirmity. However, my advice to everyone who approaches the age of 66, and who may potentially have an entitlement to a State pension, is to make a claim to my Department, and generally people will do so.

Developments in the administration of contributory pensions in recent years have facilitated customers in making pension application in a timely manner. It is open to anyone to request a copy of their contribution record in order to assess their pension entitlement and request assistance in a number of ways, if needed. Questions about eligibility and conditions can be made by phone, or locally at a customer’s local Intreo Centre, social welfare office or Citizens Information Centre. Queries can also be made using the online enquiry form available on the Department’s website www.welfare.ie or may be sent in writing to Social Welfare Services, College Road, Sligo.

In addition my Department provides a general information telephone service, where people can get information on the wide range of schemes and services operated by the Department.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.