Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1154. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications that have been received under the additional needs payment by month and by county to date in 2022; the number of applications approved for payment; and the average length of time that it took for decision. [43642/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department can make additional needs payments to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
The scheme is demand led. Payments are made at the discretion of the officers 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.
Table 1 shows the additional needs payments registered by month until the end of July.
Table 2 shows the additional needs payments registered by county until the end of July.
Of the 70,843 claims registered, 45,538 were awarded by the end of July 2022. This does not reflect claims that were disallowed, withdrawn, cancelled or awaiting further information.
These figures represent a snapshot of claim activity and are subject to change. Figures for August 2022 are not yet available.
The Community Welfare Service is committed to providing a quality service to all its customers, ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. The Department is developing more extensive statistics in relation to the number of additional needs payment applications. Many claims are decided within one week. The majority of applications are processed within four weeks. Where an application is not processed within four weeks this is generally because information or documentation that has been requested from the customer to support their application remains outstanding.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment 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.
Table 1 - additional needs payments registered by month until the end of July
|
Month |
Claims Registered |
|
Jan |
5,355 |
|
Feb |
6,034 |
|
Mar |
7,488 |
|
Apr |
8,036 |
|
May |
11,715 |
|
Jun |
14,919 |
|
Jul |
17,296 |
|
Total |
70,843 |
Table 2- Additional needs payments registered by county until the end of July
|
County |
Claims Registered |
|
CARLOW |
1,231 |
|
CAVAN |
987 |
|
CLARE |
2,289 |
|
CORK |
5,932 |
|
DONEGAL |
2,438 |
|
DUBLIN |
21,643 |
|
GALWAY |
3,411 |
|
KERRY |
2,821 |
|
KILDARE |
2,177 |
|
KILKENNY |
1,278 |
|
LAOIS |
1,390 |
|
LEITRIM |
906 |
|
LIMERICK |
2,790 |
|
LONGFORD |
1,161 |
|
LOUTH |
2,128 |
|
MAYO |
1,597 |
|
MEATH |
2,210 |
|
MONAGHAN |
460 |
|
OFFALY |
1,299 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
893 |
|
SLIGO |
1,527 |
|
TIPPERARY |
2,366 |
|
WATERFORD |
1,921 |
|
WESTMEATH |
1,892 |
|
WEXFORD |
1,797 |
|
WICKLOW |
2,299 |
|
Total |
70,843 |
