Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people are facing delays in receiving their State Pension after sending in their application; how long people facing such delays are waiting on average; if he will make it his policy to (a) not suspend and (b) reinstate working age benefits whilst people wait for their State Pension; what payments are available to people who do not have enough to live on whilst their pension application is delayed; and if she will make a statement.

We expect all claims received to-date, where a payment is due in October, to be processed by the end of October, with the exception of those claims where we need additional information, or there is a future entitlement date. Those cases which could not be processed through Get Your State Pension or received clerically will be prioritised if they are due payment by the end of the month.

Persons over pension age can make a claim for Pension Credit and further information is available online at: www.gov.uk./pension-credit

We are aware that there are small numbers of delayed State Pension Claims. All of these customers have been contacted by the department and we are awaiting further information so we can finalise their claims.