Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1552. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a supplementary welfare allowance can be backdated to the date of an accident in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36257/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned submitted an application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) with effect from12/7/17. During the application process the person concerned, enquired with the Designated Officer, if his application could be back-dated to the date of his accident. The Designated Officer advised the person concerned that applications for SWA are processed from date of application only, in line with current guidelines. However she reviewed his circumstances to ascertain if financial hardship may warrant consideration of back-dating, as an exceptional case. The Designated Officer found that financial hardship was not a determining factor and awarded the claim from date of application. The person concerned was advised accordingly.

It is open to the person concerned to appeal the decision of the Designated Officer to the Social Welfare Appeals Office if he is not happy with the decision. He will be informed of the outcome on completion of the appeals process.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.