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For Written Answer on : 01/10/2024
Question Number(s): 311 Question Reference(s): 38876/24
Department: Social Protection
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Social Protection the current number of persons in receipt of payment pending wages under the supplementary welfare allowance; the number of such payments made in 2023 and to date in 2024: the total amount expended on the scheme in 2023 and to date in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Supports provided under the scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as Additional Needs Payments.
The Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. This assistance is subject to the person having the right to reside and satisfying the Habitual Residence Condition.
Where a person has commenced or returned to employment, they may have an entitlement to Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance for up to 30 days while waiting for payment of wages. Entitlement to payment is subject to all the other conditions of the scheme being satisfied.
Statistics on the cumulative number of claims in respect of pending wages awarded throughout the year are not maintained. However, at the end of August 2024, there were 81 such claims in payment.
In 2023, the total provisional expenditure for Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance was €121.3m. In 2024 to the end of August, expenditure of €89.2m has been incurred.
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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
