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Supplementary Welfare Allowance

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021

Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Questions (590, 595, 600)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

590. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the expected timeframe for a decision to be made on an application for the basic supplementary welfare allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12921/21]

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Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

595. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the expected timeframe for a decision to be made on an application for the exceptional needs payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12927/21]

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Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

600. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the expected timeframe for a decision to be made on an application for the urgent needs payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12932/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 590, 595 and 600 together.

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is 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. Supports provided under the SWA scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment as well as single exceptional needs payments (ENPs) and urgent needs payments (UNPs).

The basic supplementary welfare allowance provides immediate 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.

Decisions on ENPs and UNPs supplements are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.

Provision of a prompt service is a major objective for the Department’s staff dealing with applications for all schemes, and in particular for the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme which acts as the safety net within the social welfare system.

The timescale for determining applications under the SWA schemes may be dependent, among other things, on the availability of supporting documents needed to consider the application, which may include details of applicant’s income and savings, and information to establish the need. If there is any doubt about the validity of a claim, further information or verification may be requested.

I wish to assure the Deputy that the SWA scheme is kept under review to ensure that it continues to a timely response to support those most in need of assistance. If the Deputy has concerns in respect of a particular case, he should bring the details to the attention of the Department.

Anyone who wishes to make an application for a payment under the SWA scheme 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.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

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