Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
405. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered providing a reduction or payment assistance in relation to domestic waste charges for disabled people particularly to persons who have excess charges because they suffer from incontinence or other similar issues that incur extra waste disposal charges. [2954/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a range of supports provided by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme. These supports can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANPs).My Department may make an ANP to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs), and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary. ANPs are administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.If the person concerned is experiencing financial difficulties they can apply for assistance by completing a SWA1 form which is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can also be requested by calling 0818 60 70 80 and by using this link www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. On receipt of a completed application form and supporting documentation, the person’s claim will be assessed, and they will be advised of the outcome in writing. Alternatively, if the person concerned has a verified MyGovID account they can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie.Supports from my Department however are not intended to cover circumstances where another Government Department or Agency has the primary responsibility. A person in this position is advised to contact their local authority to establish if there is a waste disposal waiver scheme in place. In the absence of such a scheme or if the scheme has been discontinued, the local authority may be in a position to advise the person what alternatives have been put in place.
