Under 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. This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
The scheme is demand led. 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 payments (excluding supplements) registered, awarded and disallowed in Laois and Offaly from 1st January 2022 to end of August 2022. This does not reflect claims that were withdrawn, cancelled or awaiting further information.
Table 2 shows the total additional needs payment (excluding supplements) expenditure for Laois and Offaly from 1st January 2022 to end of August 2022.
These figures represent a snapshot of claim activity and are subject to change. Figures for September 2022 are not yet available.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. 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.
Tabular Statement
Table 1- The number of additional needs payments (excluding supplements) registered, awarded and disallowed in Laois and Offaly from January 2022 to date(end of Aug)
County
|
Registered
|
of which awarded
|
of which disallowed
|
Laois
|
1,640
|
1,020
|
76
|
Offaly
|
1,691
|
1,316
|
83
|
Table 2- Total additional needs payment ( excluding supplements) expenditure for Laois and Offaly from January 2022 to end of August 2022
County
|
Expenditure
|
Laois
|
€682,177
|
Offaly
|
€841,407
|