Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
751. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the financial supports available for people to assist in furnishing their unfurnished social home; the eligibility for these supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12467/24]
View answerUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet expenses that an eligible person cannot pay from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs), and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary. The ANP scheme is demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the Designated Persons (DPs) in the Community Welfare Service (CWS) 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. The legislation providing for ANPs does not confer a statutory right or entitlement to a payment. The principal consideration in making a payment under the scheme is to address a particular need. Where a tenant cannot furnish their new property from within their own household resources, s/he can apply for an ANP to assist them in furnishing the property. Assistance can be provided in respect of necessary housing related items including bedding, flooring, furniture and household appliances. The level of furnishings and appliances required will depend on an assessment of size and nature of the proposed property, the expected level of occupancy and items already available to the customer. Every case is based on the individual circumstances and needs of the household.
A person can apply for an ANP by completing a SWA1 form which is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can also be requested by calling 0818 60 70 80 and by using this link www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. A completed application form together with any supporting documentation can be returned directly to my Department where the claim will be processed quickly. Where a person has a verified MyGovID they can also apply online for an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) at www.MyWelfare.ie .
I trust this clarifies the matter.
