Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
664. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has reviewed the level of claims for exceptional needs being made to her Department; the number of claims and the average payment under the main categories of payment; and if she is considering changes in the guidelines applying to any of the categories in view of the sort of needs being presented. [40726/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
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.
Statistics are prepared and published on a quarterly basis for Additional Needs Payments. Table 1 shows the number of Additional Needs Payments awarded by category in 2023 (to end of June).
The payment amount, which can have a wide range value, will depend on a person’s weekly household income, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed, therefore an average payment amount may not be representative of the trend in payments.
The guidelines issued to staff administering the scheme assist them in the decision making process and ensure consistency of service. However, they do not affect the discretion available to officers in issuing an additional needs payment to assist an individual or household in any particular hardship situation which may arise.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the scheme is kept under review to ensure that it continues to support those most in need of assistance.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to Supplementary Welfare Allowance 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. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
Table 1 - The number of Additional Needs Payments awarded by category in 2023 (to end of June).
|
Category |
Number of payments |
|
Bills |
1,971 |
|
Child Related |
1,047 |
|
Clothing |
18,664 |
|
Funeral |
1,581 |
|
General |
10,386 |
|
Housing |
10,492 |
|
Illness |
529 |
|
Other (Supplement) |
240 |
|
Urgent Needs Payment |
265 |
|
Grand Total |
45,175 |
