Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
363. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which she is aware of the ongoing needs of people dependent on fixed salaries or payments in the face of cost-of-living increases; whether she can envisage the situation whereby urgent needs can be met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41568/23]
View answerThe Government is acutely aware of recent cost of living increases and their impact on low income households and those fixed salaries or payments. In response to the on-going cost-of-living pressures, Budget 2023, saw the largest Social Protection package in the history of the state at a total of €2.1 billion. Some €1.1billion of this package was targeted to provide a wide range of lump-sum payments and provided for a wide range of assistance to alleviate the cost of living pressures.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department can make additional needs payments to help meet expenses that a 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 the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
Payments are 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.
This support is not restricted to those already on a social welfare payment and may also be available to those working on a low income.
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. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
