Ombudsman again warns government of delays in pension payments

The Ombudsman, Maria Lúcia Amaral, insisted this week with the Minister of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security to clarify about the measures taken to combat the persistent delays in the National Pension Center in the assessment and decision of the requirements of pensions and the submission of regulatory forms to foreign social security institutions.

These delays have been the subject of various interventions by the Office of the Ombusdman at the Directing Council of the Social Security Institute (which directly oversees the National Pension Center), as well as the Secretary of State for Social Security.

In June of this year, the Ombudsman addressed a letter to the Minister of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security, in which she warned of the worrying situation experienced by many citizens who are waiting for long months, and in many cases more than a year, for the the award of various social benefits, in particular old-age and invalidity pensions, survivors’ pensions and other death benefits.

Maria Lúcia Amaral asked the government to adopt the measures and procedures necessary for a speedy resolution of the problem and that they be made known to it.

Up to November 30, 2018, approximately 840 complaints of this nature were received in this state agency, which represents a growth of more than 200% compared to the number of similar complaints received during 2017.