Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
109. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the processing of additional needs’ payment applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59211/22]
View answer112. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to ongoing delays with regard to exceptional needs’ payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59215/22]
View answer133. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the increases in workload on community welfare offices and officers and the additional resources that have been allocated to cope with the additional workload; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59127/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 112 and 133 together.
As of October 2022, over 75,000 applications for Additional Need Payments (ANPs) were processed and awarded; this represents a 63% increase in awarded applications compared to the same period in 2021. My Department has already paid an estimated €46 million in ANPs so far this year. Some of this increase can be attributed to the response to support families arriving from Ukraine. The claims currently being received for ANPs are varied and often quite complex, reflecting the individual circumstances being experienced. Where an application is complete and accompanied by the required documentation, it is generally processed very quickly.
Where it is clear that a person has an immediate need, every effort is made to ensure they receive a payment on the same day.Any delays are typically due to additional information or documentation being requested from the person and the length of time that it takes for the information to be provided. Some claims by their nature are not as time urgent and in these cases the CWO gives greater flexibility to the customers with extended time to respond. Upon receipt of this information, the application will then be processed quickly.
My Department has taken a number of steps to simplify and streamline the process for persons applying for Additional Needs Payments.
- There has been a major public information campaign to raise awareness of the payment.
- A client does not have to attend an office in person to make a claim. If it is more convenient for them, a client can speak directly with a CWO when they call the CWS freephone line. People who have never been to a CWO before find this very useful.
- There is a full-time CWO presence in 50 Intreo Offices nationwide, 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.
- Of course, in addition, CWOs attend clinics in other locations, deal with people over the phone and where needed, arrange to visit a person’s house by appointment.
There are 412 people across all grades in the Community Welfare Service. In light of the increased level of applications, as part of the Budget I secured agreement for some 74 additional staff to be assigned to the Community Welfare Service. Recruitment has commenced and it is anticipated that they will be in place by Q1 2023.
In the interim until the staff have been recruited, 30 Social Welfare Inspectors have been temporarily reassigned to the Community Welfare Service since the start of November to assist with claims processing.
Engagement with clients who need support is the cornerstone of the Community Welfare Service. This aspect of the Service remains in place and will not change.
