Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
384. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which a longer-term payment might be made available to applicants who ordinarily would qualify for benefit payments, but due to inadequate contributions can only qualify for a basic social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46739/23]
View answerThe social welfare system is a State financial support for people who need assistance to cover a range of contingencies that may arise including unemployment, illness, etc.
Entitlement to social welfare benefit payments are contingent on a person's PRSI contributions. Where a person does not qualify for a benefit payment, they may be eligible for a means tested payment to cover the specific contingency. For example, if a person has no entitlement to Jobseeker’s Benefit, they may be eligible for support under the means-tested Jobseeker’s Allowance scheme.
If the Deputy has a particular case, he should forward for the details to the Department to assess the options that may be available.
