Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
438. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the degree to which she and her office continue to ensure the making of a basic payment to applicants for social welfare payments while the primary application is being processed in order to alleviate hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5765/21]
View answerThe basic supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. The main purpose of the scheme is to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.
Anyone who wishes to make an application for a basic weekly SWA payment should contact the Community Welfare Service at their local Intreo Centre. There is a national Income Support Helpline in place (1890 800 024) which will assist callers to make contact with the appropriate office.
If the Deputy has concerns in respect of a particular case, he should bring the details to the attention of the Department and my officials will follow up on them.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
