Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
615. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for a supplementary welfare allowance pending decision on their application for the disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39649/23]
View answerThere is a range of supports provided by the Community Welfare Service under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme. These supports 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 Supplementary Welfare Allowance (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. ANPs can be made to help meet expenses that an eligible person cannot pay from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has not made an application for assistance under the SWA scheme and is currently in receipt of a Carer’s Allowance payment which is due to terminate with effect from 20/09/2023. Upon termination of this payment, it is open to the person to apply for a basic SWA pending a decision on their Disability Allowance claim, by completing a SWA1 form and providing all relevant documents in support of their application. For convenience, an application pack has been posted to the person concerned. On receipt of a completed application form and supporting documentation, the claim will be assessed, and the person will be advised of the outcome in writing.I trust this clarifies the matter.
