Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2023
46. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for additional needs payments to date in 2023; if she can clarify the number of these that have been rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6074/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are demand led and 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.In 2022 there were 146,569 Additional Needs Payment applications, of which 17,628 were disallowed.Statistics relating to claims made in 2023 are not yet available. A statistical summary will be published on a quarterly basis for 2023 onwards. Any person who considers that 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.
