Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2023
159. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise on requirements for people applying for additional needs payments to assist with energy bills to have sought support from MABS; if she will advise when this requirement was put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11770/23]
View answerUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are demand led and 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.
Guidance issued in February of this year to the Community Welfare Service (CWS) staff of my Department on the administration of additional needs payments to meet the income needs of vulnerable individuals and families who find themselves in difficulty meeting the higher costs of energy. The guidance provided to the CWS staff advised that where there is a persistent challenge for an individual or family to meet the cost of energy it is recommended that they be referred to Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABs) for budgetary advice. Engagement with MABs is not a condition for receipt of assistance by way of an Additional Needs Payment.
Any person who considers that 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.
