Written question asked by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Monday, 8 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 October 2007. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Monday, 29 October 2007 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many state pension claims took more than 20 days to process in each of the last 10 years.

Answer: The requested information is unavailable.The standard measure for state pension claims is to clear 95 per cent. of claims in 60 days. The Pension Service computer system therefore measures against this target.60 days takes into consideration the fact that customers need to supply a considerable amount of evidence (including marriage and birth certificates) after the initial date of claim. It also takes into account the fact that customers can make an application to state pension up to four months prior to retirement.

Secondary information