Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
441. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Social Protection the initiatives underway to assist older people in County Laois in accessing pension entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3142/26]
View answerMy Department is committed to ensuring that members of the public are aware of the welfare supports and services available, and to ensuring key changes are communicated to them. Information on State pensions is made available through several different avenues and initiatives from my Department to inform and assist customers in claiming their correct entitlements.
MyWelfare, the Department’s digital customer platform, provides a secure online channel for customers to apply for and manage their interaction with a wide range of Department services. Customers can now apply for a contributory or non-contributory pension, or both, on MyWelfare if they have a verified MyGovID account since October 2024. In preparation for applying for a pension, applications can also be made online for a contribution statement to see the number and type of PRSI contributions they have made to date.
Public information campaigns also play a key role to advise customers. These campaigns include paid media and use of our social media channels, as well as engagement and information shared directly with other public bodies where relevant. All advertising campaigns are tailored to ensure the best possible mix of media is used to effectively reach the target audience. In 2023, my Department ran a number of campaigns related to pensions. These included a campaign on changes to the State pension (contributory), specifically to inform long term carers about their entitlements as well as a campaign to raise awareness about the new flexible State pension options effective from January 2024. In 2024 and 2025 my Department ran public information campaigns to let customers know about the launch of the online pension application on MyWelfare, to inform people how to apply for a contribution statement, and a rerun of the campaign highlighting pension entitlements for long term carers.
Information in relation to state pensions is also provided on the gov.ie platform. This includes information on eligibility and how to apply as well as information about social insurance contributions (including those paid in another country), flexible pension options such as deferral, and how to claim a pension if you have worked abroad.
In terms of face-to-face engagement, my Department operates a network of public offices throughout the country where people can access information and application forms. Customers in Co. Laois are currently served by Branch Offices in Portlaoise, Rathdowney and Portarlington and the Department also has offices in Government Buildings, Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise where the Social Welfare Inspectorate and Community Welfare Services are based. All of these offices are open to the public and provide points of contact for income supports including pensions. In addition, Department staff regularly meet people at various key events like the National Ploughing Championships and the 50s Plus Expo. At these events, people can speak directly to staff about their pension entitlements and other supports.
My Department also funds the Citizens Information Board (CIB), which is a statutory agency tasked with providing independent, impartial, confidential, and non-judgmental information and advice, money advice and advocacy. CIB also acts as a signpost for people including vulnerable groups and older people and provides information in local Citizens Information Centres and through the Citizens Information website as well as periodicals and publications.
My Department also publishes ‘Your Guide to our Schemes and Services: Retired and Older People’. This provides comprehensive information on State pension (contributory) and State pension (non-contributory), Free Travel, Fuel Allowance and the Living Alone Increase, along with other supports designed to help retired and older people.
In addition to these measures, all active customers approaching 66 are contacted directly by the Department 26 weeks in advance of turning pension age. This communication provides information on pensions and how to apply for a pension.
My Department remains committed to improving the customer experience and aims to continue its proactive engagement in 2026.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
