Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 June 2022
155. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the checks that are in place to ensure that social welfare payments cease when Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection leave the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28244/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important that a person in receipt of a Social Welfare benefit or payment informs the Department of any change in their circumstances that may affect their entitlement.
Payments such as Supplementary Welfare Allowance or Jobseekers Allowance are not payable in respect of periods where a person is absent, whether temporarily or permanently, from the State. However, there are administrative arrangements in place for payments to be made for up to two weeks in any calendar year in respect of periods where a person leaves the state for, for example, a holiday or a family emergency. A person should inform the Department of their proposed absence in advance of travel. Their payment will then be suspended and paid when they return.
Where a person is going to be absent from the state for a period of more than two weeks they should close their claim and they can reapply for income support on their return.
In addition the Department carries out a range of control activities designed to ensure that only those who are entitled to receive a payment or benefit do so. These include asking people to confirm their eligibility in person, and on an ongoing basis.
I hope this is of assistance to the Deputy.
