Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023
134. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify that people in district heating systems who have faced large increases in their energy bills can access additional needs’ payments; if any instruction has been issued from her Department to community welfare officers in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15162/23]
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. 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 considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance, including District Heating systems customers experiencing difficulty meeting energy costs.
Guidance has issued to the Community Welfare Service staff of my Department on the administration of additional needs payments to meet the income needs of vulnerable individuals and families who find themselves in difficulty meeting the higher costs of fuel and energy, including people who have their homes on District Heating systems.
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.
