The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is considered the "safety net " within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. The main purpose of the scheme is to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. SWA can consist of a basic primary weekly payment and/or a weekly/monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses a person may not be able to meet (e.g. rent supplement). It can also consist of a once-off payment to help with the cost of any exceptional needs of a once-off nature.
Statistics are not available on the number of SWA applications received from customers who have left their homes due to domestic violence for the past 3 years and to date in 2012 or the outcome of those applications.
Where a claimant’s safety and wellbeing are at risk due to domestic violence Department officials administering the SWA scheme have discretionary powers to expedite the award of a payment to the person in question. I am satisfied that the discretionary powers available to Department officials administering the SWA scheme are appropriate to assist those affected by domestic violence.
