[VIDEO] 'No need to apply for retirement pension' - Minister

Some 1,600 workers born in 1952 won’t need to apply for their pension following a review of the social security system, Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia announced today.

Until today, persons who reach retirement age receive an application in order to apply for the pension and the first pension is received some three months later.

But as from next Monday, workers who turn 62 in August and onwards will be notified that their pension application has been opened, doing away with the extra paperwork.

The person entitled to the pension may be asked for details such as last year’s FS3, national insurance (N.I.) receipts and the bank account where the pension needs to be deposited.

“The applicant can now deposit the required information either by visiting the district office, sending the documents by post or through eID system,” Farrugia said.

The government also plans to apply a similar system to widows and widowers, avoiding the need to reapply for their husband’s or wife’s pension.

Formerly responsible of the simplification of the administrative processes, Farrugia said the government also planned on reducing red tape for couples applying for the marriage grant, individuals applying for the invalidity pension and parents who have their first child.

Listing the government’s work over the past 14 months in the social services sector, Farrugia confirmed ongoing work for a residence for unaccompanied minors. Asylum seekers will also be offered preparatory courses in the English language.

The minister also criticised the lack of a computerised system at St Vincent de Paul Residence (SVPR). The first wi-fi connection at the elderly residence was set up a few months ago in order to simplify communication between Mater Dei Hospital and SVPR. X-rays at SVPR are still analogue, which means there is no digital access to a resident’s history when he or she is recovered at the hospital.