3 month wait for pension is forcing elderly into penury – Phelan

Getting new credit card takes 24 hours - getting payment for lifetime’s work takes 14 weeks

Older people applying for their pension are being forced to wait 14 weeks for their first payment, which Fine Gael Seanad Finance Spokesman Senator John Paul Phelan has described as disgraceful.

“A number of people coming up to retirement age have reported significant problems in obtaining their first pension payment. Some pensioners have had to wait more than three months before they received their entitlement.

“One gentleman applied for his pension two months before his retirement age, but was told he would still have to wait 14 weeks before he received his first payment. There was no possibility of an early payment and he was advised not to contact the Department of Social Affairs.

“This is just one of many cases which have been reported to my office. It is a disgrace to think that the Government should treat the elderly in this manner. It takes just 24 hours to successfully apply for a credit card, yet the State expects them to wait 14 weeks to receive payment for a lifetime’s work.

“The Department is advising new pensioners to apply for their pension at least three months before they reach retirement age, which shows a callous disregard for the rights of the elderly to their State pension. Although they can apply to the Community Welfare Office if they run into difficulties, the application process is long and strenuous. There is a danger that some will be left in serious financial difficulties.

“No-one should have to wait three months to receive a new State pension, especially in this day and age. Social Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan must immediately set about rectifying this disgraceful situation.”