Under the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1993, every person in the State whose means are insufficient to meet his or her needs and the needs of any adult or child dependant, has an entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance.
It is expected that the normal day to day food bills would be met from any weekly social welfare payment. However, additional assistance in the form of a weekly diet supplement, is available to an eligible person who has been prescribed a specified diet arising from a specific medical condition and whose means are insufficient to meet this need. A diet supplement can be paid provided a person also satisfies the general rules governing entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance. A diabetic diet is a specified diet for diet supplement purposes.
Entitlement to a diet supplement is determined by the health boards in accordance with the legislative provisions which specify the medical conditions in respect of which a diet supplement may be paid.
The main considerations in determining entitlement for a diet supplement are the type of diet prescribed, the household income and whether the person in respect of whom the diet supplement is payable is an adult or a child.
Information regarding the diet supplement is available in the SWA information booklet, SW54, and the Guide to Social Welfare Services book, SW4, or by contacting any local health centre. There are no plans at present for a publicity campaign to highlight awareness of the diet supplement.
A person who wishes to apply for a diet supplement should contact the community welfare officer at their local health centre.