The supplementary welfare allowance – SWA – scheme is generally intended as a short-term payment which is designed to provide immediate assistance for those in need. The SWA scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the health boards and the Department has no function in deciding entitlement in individual cases.
Those eligible for assistance under the SWA scheme would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or health board payment and would have to satisfy a number of criteria, including a means test. In addition, people with low incomes may also qualify for a weekly supplement to meet certain special needs, for example, rent, diet, heating, or a payment to assist with the cost of any exceptional needs they may have.