Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1091. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received for supplementary welfare to date in 2022; the number that were successful; the average payment awarded; the reason that the same application form is used for the additional needs payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42526/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1194. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications received for supplementary welfare to date in 2022; the number that were successful; the average payment awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44327/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1091 and 1194 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 SWA scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single 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.
Rent supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that for those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
Under 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 and is funded accordingly. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
Table 1 shows the number of Basic SWA and Additional Needs Payment applications registered from 1st January 2022 to end of July 2022 and the outcomes of these applications in terms of awards. It does not reflect claims that were withdrawn, cancelled or awaiting further information. These figures represent a snapshot of claim activity and are subject to change.
Table 2 shows the number of Rent Supplement recipients at the end of each month for the period 1st January 2022 to end of July 2022. The number of applications registered/awarded for Rent Supplement is not currently available.
Statistics on the average payment amounts under the SWA scheme are not maintained. The payment amounts under the Additional Needs Payment, will depend on a person’s weekly household income, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Payment amounts can range from small weekly supplements to larger one off payments.
The application form for an Additional Needs Payment is the SWA1 form. This form is used as it facilitates the application process for a number of schemes under SWA operated by the community welfare service. The nature of the scheme awarded will depend on the needs of the applicant as outlined in the application form and can result in a once off payment or ongoing assistance.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to a payment under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme 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 – Number of Basic Supplementary and Additional Needs Payment applications registered and of which were awarded from 1st January to-date for 2022 (to end of July)
|
Month |
Claims Registered |
of which awarded |
|
Jan |
5,355 |
3,864 |
|
Feb |
6,034 |
4,363 |
|
Mar |
7,488 |
5,441 |
|
Apr |
8,036 |
6,030 |
|
May |
11,715 |
9,115 |
|
Jun |
14,919 |
9,828 |
|
Jul |
17,296 |
6,697 |
|
Total |
70,843 |
45,538 |
TABLE 2 - Number of Rent Supplement Recipients at the end of each month from January 2022 to end of July 2022
|
2022 |
Recipients |
|
January |
12,975 |
|
February |
12,604 |
|
March |
12,083 |
|
April |
11,771 |
|
May |
11,295 |
|
June |
11,093 |
|
July |
10,911 |
