People who reach retirement age will no longer have to apply for their pension since their application will be automatically opened for them, Social Policy Minister Michael Farrugia said this morning.

The new system will be introduced on Monday. The first to benefit will be those who reach retirement age in August.

Those of pensionable age may be required to submit details needed for the computation of their pensions, such as the FS3, social security contribution details and the bank account where the pensions will be deposited, the minister said.

Replies and documents may be deposited in the regional offices of the Social Policy Department.

Dr Farrugia said that as from June, the system would also be extended to widows eligible for the pension of their spouse.

The simplification of procedures would be extended in the coming months for applications for the marriage grant, the invalidity pension and applications for children’s allowance.

Speaking at a press conference, Dr Farrugia said the governemnt was keeping its promise not to raise the retirement age and it was continuing to grant a full pension to those who opted to continue to work. Conditions were also being improved for those who received services pensions.