Madam, - We at Age Action are concerned that 2,500 pensioners are being forced to wait for up to four weeks to have their pension applications processed.
The problem first emerged last July when it was confirmed that the waiting time to have pension applications processed was 14 weeks. The Department of Social and Family Affairs blamed the backlog on the fact that a new computer system was being introduced and staff were being diverted to be trained.
At the time, Minister for Social and Family Affairs Seamus Brennan gave a public assurance that the necessary resources would be provided to end the backlog.
Eight months later, the delays are continuing, though the Department says the backlog is now down to three or four weeks. The applicants dependent on their state pensions, which they presumed would come on stream automatically. At the Department's request, they gave six months' notice of their retirement date to enable a smooth transition. In hardship cases, they have been advised at social welfare officers to apply for a loan from the welfare officer.
Our older people deserve better. Some of our pensioners are among the poorest people in this country and are therefore hit hard by payment delays. We are urging the Minister and his officials to address these issues urgently to ensure that pensioners are treated with the dignity they deserve.
- Yours, etc,
EAMON TIMMINS, Head of Advocacy and Communications, Age Action, Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2.