23/11/2004

Customer charters set out Social Security rights

Two new customer charters to ensure better service for pensioners, people with disabilities and carers were launched today by the Social Security Agency.

The charters include details of the services available and the standards people can expect when they contact the Agency.

The Disability & Carers Service and Pension Service customer charters reflect the new ways of delivering better services to people with an illness or disability and their carers as well as to pensioners, those nearing pension age and people whose husband or wife has died.

Speaking at the launch in Grosvenor House in Belfast today, Bryan Davis, Operations Director at the Social Security Agency, said: “These new charters outline the range and level of service that people can expect when they contact us. They explain what we will do for customers, what we expect from them, and, importantly, what to do if they have a comment or experience a problem with the service they receive.

“Extensive consultation was carried out in the development of both customer charters. During this consultation we gained the valued opinions and views of customers, the advice sector and the voluntary sector. The new charters reflect the changing needs and expectations of customers and our commitment to providing high quality, customer focused services.”

The Disability & Carers Service customer charter covers Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Medical Support Services while the Pension Service customer charter covers Pension Credit, Retirement Pension and Bereavement Benefits.

(MB/SP)

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