Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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1330.To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the year in which application forms were introduced for the State pensions (contributory) and (non-contributory) and became necessary for applicants to complete and submit in order that a payment would issue to a person reaching State pension age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32307/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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There has always been an application process for the Old Age Pension since its introduction in Ireland in 1908. The first forms were only available from Post Offices with the Old Age Pension being subject to a means test and the claimant providing proof of age. Initially pensions were awarded by Revenue officers before the function was transferred to the newly established Department of Social Welfare in 1947.

The Contributory Old Age Pension (now called the State Pension Contributory) was introduced in 1961 and could only be awarded after a deciding officer approved the relevant application. No means test was applied, but deciding officers required details of claimant's employment history to align their contributions history.

Currently the State Pension (Contributory and Non-contributory) can only be awarded upon receipt of completed and signed paper application with the relevant supporting documentation, if needed. Work is currently underway to develop an online application for both State Pension (Contributory) and State Pension (Non-Contributory). It is intended that this service will be available by year end.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.