Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. The additional needs payment is available to people if they have expenses they cannot pay from their weekly income. In response to the cost-of-living crisis, I have taken a number of steps to simplify the process of applying for this payment. These measures include making it clear that the payment is available to both social welfare recipients and families on low incomes, including persons who work 30 hours or more; updating the income guidelines in line with the working family payment; ensuring community welfare officers, CWOs, continue to have discretion to issue payments to assist individuals or households in unique hardship circumstances; establishing a new national community welfare contact centre which can be contacted at 0818-607080; and running a major national awareness campaign, including national radio adverts, to promote and raise awareness of the additional needs payment.

Community welfare officers are available in 51 Intreo centres throughout the country to meet and assist customers five days per week. They can facilitate in-person and emergency meetings by phone or in any Intreo centre or branch office. If the need arises, a direct home visit appointment can be arranged.

The application form for an additional needs payment is also available online. The completed application form can be posted or dropped into the local Intreo centre where it will be processed promptly.

My Department is examining establishing a direct online application process for the additional needs payment. All information on how to apply for the payment is available at www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/. I want to ensure people know the additional needs payment is available to support them if they are experiencing financial hardship. The payment is demand-led and there is no budget cap on it.

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