Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
598 Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason her Department accept that child or working tax credits paid to cross border workers is a benefit, but the community welfare officers advise that child or working tax credits are seen as an income and must be included in a means test. [18717/12]
View answerThe supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. Apart from the excluded categories, anyone in the State who satisfies a habitual residence condition and a means test, has registered for employment, unless they have a physical or mental disability, and can prove unemployment, or anyone who is awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare or HSE payment, may qualify for SWA.
In calculating a person's entitlement for a payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, all income in cash is generally assessable including any income by way of child or working tax credits.
Full details relating to how means are assessed for SWA payments and items that are disregarded are available on the Department's website.
