Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

444. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applications for the State pension (contributory) awaiting decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5772/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department is committed to ensuring that State pension (contributory) claims are processed and pension entitlement decided as quickly as possible when all necessary information is to hand.

Processing of contributory pension claims depends on the individual nature of social insurance records and the applicant's circumstances.  It is also dependent on the completeness of the application and the availability of the required information. 

Standard State pension (contributory) applications are processed according to applicants’ dates of birth.  The operational target for State pension (contributory) claims is 90% of timely applications awarded (where qualified) by entitlement date.My Department regularly exceeds this target; currently 96% of customers are notified of the outcome of their State pension (contributory) application in advance of their reaching pension age. 

According to the most recent figures available, there are 4,624 applications awaiting decision.  Applications from persons reaching pension age in March 2021 are now being processed.  Thus, the majority of State pension (contributory) pending claims on hand are from applicants who have not yet reached pension age.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.