Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
335. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of locations in Kildare that offer a drop-in service where a community welfare officer would be available to discuss a case or application with a client; the location of these clinics; the number of drop-in centres offering this service over each of the past five years, by town in Kildare, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31998/23]
View answerA Community Welfare Officer (CWO) is available to meet with citizens from Kildare during business hours Monday to Friday at the Newbridge Intreo Centre and also by appointment at my Department’s offices in Athy and Maynooth. If a person is unable to travel to these locations, a CWO can meet with the person at a mutually agreed location, including at their home.
While local face-to-face engagement with clients continues to be a cornerstone of the community welfare service, it is important to mention that a person does not need to meet with a CWO to make an application and any person who needs to access the service can call the CWS National Contact Phoneline at 0818 60 70 80, to make an appointment or to speak directly to a CWO. CWS staff working on the phoneline are dealing with approximately 7,000 callers per month. This service is proving very popular with clients, who can have their needs met without the requirement to travel.
A recent development to MyWelfare.ie means a person can apply online for an Additional Needs Payment (ANP). Alternatively, a person can apply for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) payment by completing a SWA1 form which is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can also be requested by calling 0818 60 70 80 and by using this link www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. A completed application form together with any supporting documentation can be returned directly to my Department where the claim will be processed quickly.
The delivery of crucial and locally based community welfare services to meet the challenges and the needs of citizens in Kildare and across the country is a priority for me and for my Department. The CWS continues to provide a flexible service to meet the different needs of clients, who may find themselves in a financially difficult or vulnerable situation. It is important that this service is easily accessible and responsive to our client’s needs.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
