Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

654. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will examine the case of a couple (details supplied) who have been without their pension due to an administrative error; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41517/21]

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

The issue referred to by the Deputy arose as the person concerned changed financial institution but did not notify the Department of the change in a timely manner. The matter has since been resolved, and arrears of pension for the period from 2 July 2021 to 29 July 2021 have been paid to the person concerned.

My Department contacted the person concerned on 6 July 2021 when their weekly electronic fund transfer (EFT) for 2 July 2021 could not be lodged to their account and was returned by their financial institution. A letter dated 5 July 2021 was subsequently received, requesting a change of payment method, but this letter was not signed by the customer.

The person was contacted on 8 July 2021 to submit a signed mandate for their change of payment method. This information was received on 26 July 2021 and the person’s payment method was updated. They were notified accordingly in writing on 27 July 2021, and advised of the amount of arrears issued. Weekly pension payments have resumed from 30 July 2021.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.