Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1314. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received for additional needs' payments to date in 2022; the number that were successful; the average payment awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41868/22]
View answerUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department can make additional needs payments to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. It provides supports and services to help support people on low incomes and facing financial hardship.
The additional needs payment is an overarching term for exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements paid under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.
The Government has provided funding of €45.75 million for the provision of exceptional and urgent needs that are provided for as Additional Needs Payments in 2022. A further provision of €5.3 million has been provided for SWA Supplements in 2022 (excluding rent supplement). The scheme is demand led and is funded accordingly. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
Additional needs payments 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.
Table 1 shows the number of Additional Needs Payment applications registered/awarded to date in 2022 (end of June).
This represents a snapshot of claim activity taken at 4th July 2022 and is subject to change.
Additional needs payments can have a wide range value as the amount paid will depend on a person’s weekly household income, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Payments are made for large items, such as help provided in setting up a home for the first time and smaller weekly supplements to assist with ongoing costs. Average payments are not collated as they would have no meaning in these circumstances.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to a payment under the SWA Scheme is encouraged to contact their local Intreo Centre. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
TABLE 1 – Number of Additional Needs Payment applications registered/awarded to-date in 2022(to end of June)
|
Year |
Registered |
Awarded |
|
2022 (to end of June) |
41,388 |
37,361 |
Note: These figures in table 1 are taken from the Department’s ENP/UNP database and represent a snapshot of the ENPs/UNPs as they are approved by an officer rather than when they are paid. Please note the figures do not capture payments that are cancelled, payments that go out of date or overpayments recouped.
