Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
72. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons in County Clare who availed of an additional need's payment since 1 January 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46417/23]
View answerUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department can make additional needs payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. 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.In total, 2,108 Additional Needs Payments were awarded in the period 1st January 2023 to 30th September 2023 to customers in County Clare.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment 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.
