Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 October 2023
143. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports that are in place for pensioners who are struggling to pay a high electrical bill because of continuous use of medical equipment; considering situations where an application for supplementary welfare allowance was refused due to receipt of a household benefits package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44275/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department can make additional needs payments to help meet essential 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.
Additional Needs Payments can be made to assist people who face difficulties in meeting household bills and energy costs. In the first half of 2023, over 3,000 such payments were made. In addition, my Department may award a supplement to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary. This can include a heating supplement where a person has need for additional heating due to ill health or infirmity.
If the Deputy has concerns in respect of a particular case, she should bring the details to the attention of my Department.
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. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
