Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection. The additional needs payment is available from the Department of Social Protection to assist people who are experiencing genuine financial hardship. As of the end of September 2022, almost 66,000 applications for additional needs payments had been processed and awarded, representing a 60% increase in the number of applications awarded compared with the same period in 2021. This rise in the number of applications in 2022 reflects a return to pre-pandemic levels and a number of positive new measures introduced by the Minister earlier this year to try to simplify the process and make it easier for people to access additional needs payments. These measures include the removal of the 30-hour rule and the establishment of a national helpline phone number. In addition, there was a major public awareness raising campaign by the Department to increase awareness of the payments, which many Deputies will have heard on national radio over recent months. It is clear from the statistics that those efforts have worked and, as I said, the number of applications awarded so far this year is 60% ahead of the same period in 2021.

There are a number of different ways to apply for an additional needs payment. A person can apply over the phone, by visiting a local Intreo office, by visiting a community welfare officer clinic or, where necessary, a CWO can call to a person’s home by appointment. Where it is obvious a person has an immediate need, every effort is made to ensure he or she will receive a payment on the same day. In fairness, we all deal with CWOs through our constituency offices and where the CWO recognises there is a clear and urgent need, he or she is normally good at making sure the person is looked after. Where an application is complete and the required documentation is supplied, it is generally processed in a matter of days. Where there are delays sometimes, this is generally due to additional information or documentation being requested from the person to support the application.

I listened to the specific concerns the Deputy raised regarding the mother of two autistic children and the elderly man with the furniture issue. It would be helpful if he could bring those details to the attention of the Minister, who can check with her Department as to the status of those individual queries. He also mentioned appeals and the new home kit. I have noted those comments and will convey them to the Minister. The criteria for the additional needs payment are quite broad and the decision on any emergency payment is taken by the CWO, who has discretion. In general, the requirement is that the money be needed for an essential expense the customer cannot pay from his or her weekly income. Someone can get this payment, therefore, even if he or she does not receive any social welfare payments, not least if he or she is on a low income. The Deputy mentioned some examples and asked about the payment in respect of energy costs. Increased costs of heating and electricity would fit the criteria, as would essential repairs to property and replacing household appliances or furniture, and assistance with deposits for private rented accommodation, as well as furniture, bedding and other items if a home is being set up for the first time.

Funeral costs are covered, as are recurring travel expenses such as for hospital appointments or visiting relatives in hospital or prison. Assistance is provided for immediate needs such as food, clothing and accommodation expenses following an emergency event such as a house fire. The payment does not cover non-essential household or personal expenses, or costs that are the responsibility of another agency or government body.

See this speech in context