Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Social Protection the social welfare supports available for a former self employed citizen who is sinking into poverty. [41919/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department of Social Protection operates a range of schemes which are designed to provide financial support for people in need. These schemes are designed to cover particular contingencies such as unemployment, illness old age etc. and the choice of scheme depends on the individuals particular circumstances.

If a person of working age has no has no income from employment, they may be entitled to a jobseeker payment. To avail of this scheme the customer must be unemployed, available for work and satisfy a means test. Applications for this scheme can be made through the local Social Welfare Office.

It is also important to remember that people who have urgent income support needs can apply for the means tested supplementary welfare allowance.