Last Updated on April 23, 2025
A case in the recently published Annual Report from the Ombudsman shows how a man recovered over €46,000 in backdated State pension payments in Ireland. Joe missed out on four years of Contributory State Pension payments after staff at a Department of Social Protection office gave him incorrect advice—until the Ombudsman intervened.
Joe applied for the Contributory State Pension at age 70. The Department approved his application and backdated the payment by six months, as allowed under legislation. However, Joe told the Ombudsman he had visited his local Intreo office shortly before turning 66. Staff told him he was unlikely to qualify for a pension and wasn’t eligible for a Non-Contributory one either. Based on that advice, he didn’t submit an application.
Joe reapplied at age 70. The Department approved the pension again but backdated it only by six months, as per standard rules. Frustrated by the outcome, Joe brought his case to the Ombudsman.
What the Ombudsman Found
The Ombudsman contacted the Department of Social Protection to raise the issue. The Department confirmed Joe had visited the office and had been told he didn’t qualify for a Non-Contributory Pension. However, no one informed him about his potential eligibility for the Contributory State Pension. The Ombudsman asked the Department to review the case and consider full back payment from the time Joe turned 66.
This oversight had serious financial consequences. The Ombudsman stated that the Department had a duty to provide accurate and complete information—especially when it had reason to believe someone might qualify. Because that didn’t happen, Joe lost out on four years of payments he should have received.
Outcome of Backdated State Pension Case in Ireland
The Department reviewed the situation and acknowledged that Joe should have received better guidance. It agreed to backdate his pension in full. Joe received arrears totalling €46,040, covering the entire period from when he first became eligible.
This case was included in the Ombudsman’s Annual Report for 2023, published in July 2024 and updated in January 2025. It highlights how poor information from official sources can lead to major financial losses. People depend on these interactions when making important decisions about their entitlements. In Joe’s case, he lost four years of income due to misleading advice—but the Ombudsman’s intervention helped correct the error.
If you or someone you know feels they’ve been treated unfairly by a public service, the Office of the Ombudsman may be able to help. You can learn more at www.ombudsman.ie.
