The Portuguese Ombudsman, Maria Lúcia Amaral, wrote once more to the Minister of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security demanding information on the measures taken to combat the persistent delays in the National Pensions Center.
In June 2018, the Ombudsman addressed a first letter to the Minister, in which she warned of the worrying situation experienced by many citizens who are waiting for long months and, in many cases, over a year, for the award of various social benefits, in particular old-age and invalidity pensions, survivors' pensions and other death benefits.
Maria Lúcia Amaral asked then 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 by the Ombudsman, which represents a growth of more than 200% compared to the number of similar complaints received during 2017.
Thr original report is available on the Portugese Ombudman’s Website.
Source: Office of the Provedora de Justiça, Portugal