Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 November 2023
79. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection in the scenario where a person is homeless and trying to avail of a social welfare allowance but they do not have an address and are not staying in homeless accommodation, how they can avail of their social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49029/23]
View answerMy Department is acutely aware of the challenges faced by people who are homeless. A protocol is in place to ensure a customer-centric and effective approach is applied where individuals and families who are homeless seek assistance and services from the Department of Social Protection in any location across the Country. While the protocol is current, it is under review and an updated version is expected to be finalised in the near future.
A person does not need a permanent address to apply for a social welfare payment or service, or to receive a social welfare payment. Applications for a social welfare scheme can be made at any Intreo centre. Where the person has an immediate need they may apply for a payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme and can be paid without a permanent address.
People who are homeless are advised to register with their Local Authority and to engage with the relevant services available to them, for example, the Homeless Action Team / Housing Assistance Payment Section.
If the Deputy has a specific case in mind, the details can be forwarded to the Department for review of the individual circumstances.
