Sorca Clarke
Question:497. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection if retained firefighters are entitled to supplementary welfare allowance while the dispute over pay and conditions is ongoing. [34841/23]
View answerThursday, 13 July 2023
Questions (497)
Written answers
The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to 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.
People who are participating in a trade dispute that causes a stoppage of work are normally excluded from receipt of Supplementary Welfare Allowance. However, they are entitled to make a claim for Supplementary Welfare Allowance in respect of their qualified adult and qualified child dependants, subject to the normal assessment criteria.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to Supplementary Welfare Allowance 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.