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Ukraine War

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 June 2022

Wednesday, 1 June 2022

Ceisteanna (154)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

154. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if there is a requirement for Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection to collect their social welfare payments in post offices in line with changes implemented in January 2021 for jobseeker’s payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28238/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In accordance with the Temporary Protection Directive implemented in March 2022, people fleeing the war in Ukraine have been granted status to avail of the supports and services provided by my Department. 

Ukrainian citizens and others fleeing the war are eligible for financial support.  Initially, they are being paid on a temporary basis under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance and Jobseeker’s Allowance schemes.

To allow payments to be made as quickly as possible, all applications for income support were initially set up to be paid in cash at post offices.  Cash payments at post offices are one of the two main payment method options provided by my Department. 

People can also be paid directly into their account in either a bank, in An Post or in a credit union.  The Department’s policy is, where possible, to offer people the choice of being paid in cash at the post office or directly into an account in a financial institution of their choosing.

Given the temporary and transitory nature of accommodation for many of the people fleeing the war in Ukraine, it has proven to be more practical in the short-term for some Temporary Protection applications to be paid directly into an account by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT).  While the default payment method for this group of people remains cash collection at post offices, until the accommodation status of people availing of the Temporary Protection Directive can be established, the option to be paid directly in to an account in a financial institution is available.

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