Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2022
334. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection if any allowances or grace period will be made for persons who switched relevant payments shortly before the budget 2023 lump sums were issued, given that many of these persons are still disproportionally affected by the current cost-of-living crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60167/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI announced on Budget Day that the Government will spend €2.2 billion on Social Protection measures, including over €880 million in order to provide for a €12 increase to the weekly rate of social welfare payments from January 2023.
Those measures will make a real difference in terms of protecting our most vulnerable – our pensioners, carers, people with disabilities, low-income families and lone parents.
A person must be due payment in the relevant week on a relevant payment in order for my Department to process the payment through our IT systems.
If an individual or family are struggling with additional costs, Additional Needs Payments can provide help and support to people facing financial hardship. Under the scheme, the Department may make an Additional Needs Payment to people on a low income, whether they are working or receiving an income support, to meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
