Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 December 2022
84. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the waiting times for those applying for the exceptional needs payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61395/22]
View answerThe Community Welfare Service (CWS) is committed to providing a quality service to all citizens, ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible.
Where an application for an Additional Needs Payment is complete and accompanied by the required documentation, it is processed very quickly.
Where it is clear that a person has an immediate need, every effort is made to ensure he or she receives a payment on the same day.
Where an application cannot be finalised promptly, the delay is normally due to additional information or documentation being requested from the person to support their application and the length of time that it takes for the information to be provided. This can result in longer processing times for these applications as greater flexibility is given to clients with extended time to respond. Upon receipt of this information, the application is then processed as quickly as possible.
My Department has taken a number of steps to simplify and streamline the application process:
- There is a full-time CWO presence in 50 Intreo Centres nationwide, 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday in line with my continuing commitment to a service which has local engagement with local clients as its cornerstone.
- A person does not have to attend an office in person to make a claim. If it is more convenient for them, they 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.
- 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.
- As part of the Budget estimate, I secured agreement for some 74 additional staff to be assigned to the CWS. 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.
- The number of applications for Additional Needs Payments has slowed in recent weeks. This can likely be attributed to the €1.2 Billion which has been paid out under the eight lump sum payments since the Budget.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
