§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reason the maximum backdating allowed for the retirement pension is three months; and if he will make a statement. [66557]
§ Mr. McCartneyThe absolute time limit of three months for claiming retirement pension was introduced in April 1997 as part of the rationalisation of time limits for all benefits undertaken at that time. Before this date there were a large number of different rules and time periods for the backdating of the claims for different benefits. It was a confusing picture and it was widely recognised that there was a need to simplify the rules. It was considered appropriate for people to have three months in which to make a claim for one of the contributory benefits. Retirement pension is one of those benefits.