Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2023
39. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of exceptional needs payments applied for through the community welfare service in Dundalk, County Louth, in 2022; the number of these applications granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6109/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may make additional needs payments to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary. 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 customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.The schemes are demand led and 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.The specific information requested on supplementary welfare allowance schemes by Intreo Centre is not collated; it can be provided by county. In County Louth, in 2022, there were 4,000 additional needs payment applications received and 2,409 payments awarded.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.
