§ Laura MoffattTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what benefit arrangements exist for retired people awaiting assessment of retirement pension; [105909]
(2) if he will make a statement on the timescale for the assessment and payment of pension on retirement. [105936]
§ Mr. RookerProspective pensioners are invited to claim Retirement Pension four months prior to attaining minimum State pension age. This period allows time for the customer to make a claim and the Benefit's Agency to obtain the information needed to put the correct Retirement Pension entitlement into payment.
There are times, particularly at the beginning of a new tax year, when the contribution information needed to confirm Retirement Pension entitlement is not available. In this circumstance, the Benefit Agency makes an award based on the contribution information available and makes arrangements for payments to be made at an interim rate until a full assessment can be made. When the contribution information is available a revised award is made. The customer will receive revised notification of their entitlement and payment of any arrears due.
The Benefits Agency aims to clear 95 per cent. of Retirement Pension claims in 60 days. This is measured from the date of receipt of a claim form to the date an award is recorded on the Pensions Strategy Computer System.
If my hon. Friend has any particular problems regarding pension assessments, I will be happy to look into them if she provides details.