Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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561. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason application forms for the benefit payment for 65-year-olds are not available online in order that persons can easily access a form to be sent by post for 65-year-olds who cannot apply online; the reason this process is complicated by having to send an email to request a form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11876/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As part of my Department’s service delivery modernisation programme, a range of initiatives aimed at streamlining applications for a payment and processing of claims, supported by modern technology, have been implemented in recent years. My Department is continuing to increase the number of services available to customers though its online channel at www.MyWelfare.ie and to encourage customers to access services in this manner.

Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds was introduced primarily as an online service available on the MyWelfare platform. The online service is the most efficient in terms of customer accessibility and of speed and efficiency in processing applications. However, if a person cannot access or does not wish to use the online service, they can request an application form by emailing a request to forms@welfare.ie and a form will be immediately posted to them. This is not a complicated or lengthy process and avoids customers having to call to Intreo Centres to obtain a form or having to download, print, complete and post a form at a time of Covid-related restrictions.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.