Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
398. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the degree to which she and her Department continue to monitor the situation in order to identify people who might be in financial difficulty due to them falling short of meeting statutory requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8143/24]
View answer402. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the degree to which she and her office continue to ensure the making of a basic payment to applicants for social welfare payments while the primary application is being processed in order to alleviate hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8147/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 402 together.
The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Supports provided under the scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as Additional Needs Payments.
The basic supplementary welfare allowance 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. This assistance is subject to the person having the right to reside and satisfying the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC).
Basic SWA is paid at rates up to €230 per week with increases for adult and child dependents. Currently there are 12,980 recipients of a basic SWA payment.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the SWA scheme is kept under review to ensure that it continues to support those most in need of assistance. 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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
