With effect from January 2010 new age related payments were introduced affecting persons availing of supplementary welfare allowance (SWA). The applicable maximum personal rate of SWA for a person between the ages of 18 and 24 is €100 per week. There are a number of exemptions where the age reduction does not apply:
- those in receipt of a higher rate of payment immediately before the new age penalty rates applied;
- those with qualified children;
- those in the care of the HSE during the preceding 12 months before their 18th birthday.
The person concerned does not meet these criteria; his previous disability allowance application was made in August 2011. The correct rate of SWA pending the outcome of his appeal in relation to his current disability allowance application is €100 per week.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.