Social Welfare Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2023

Thursday, 19 January 2023

Questions (266)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

266. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the welfare entitlements of non-EU or non-EEA refugees coming to Ireland and being placed in communities by the Red Cross under the community scheme of the Department of Justice; if there is an entitlement to jobseeker's allowance for those available for work, disability allowance for those with a disability, child benefit for children and domiciliary care allowance where the terms of the scheme are fulfilled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2543/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Matters regarding the right to reside of applicants for refugee status or of those seeking permission to reside under the International Protection Act are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice.

Persons who have been granted refugee status by the Department of Justice have the right to claim social welfare payments subject to satisfying all of the conditions of entitlement of the particular schemes, including the habitual residence condition. Generally where a person’s application for refugee status is granted by the Department of Justice, they will be regarded as habitually resident for the purposes of entitlement to relevant social assistance schemes and child benefit but only from the date that status is granted. No payment may be made for any period prior to that date.

I trust that this clarifies matters for the Deputy.