Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023

Tuesday, 13 June 2023

Questions (793)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

793. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to indicate in the case of a person (details supplied) who has lived in this country for several years, who is an amputee and has no visible means of support, has only been supported by friends for several years, is being denied a basic payment and disability allowance if urgent steps can be taken to ensure that his urgent needs are being met on humanitarian and compassionate grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27257/23]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme which is the safety net within the overall social welfare system, helps eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Supports provided under the SWA scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANPs).

The basic SWA provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.

Departmental records reflect that the person concerned applied for a basic SWA on 15/05/2023 and was awarded a weekly payment of €218 pending the outcome of his Disability Allowance claim of 17/04/2023. An award letter issued to the person on 30/05/2023 and their first payment including arrears due was available for collection at their nominated post office on 02/06/2023.

I trust this clarifies the matter.