Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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595. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the timeframe for payment of the telephone allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23184/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The new weekly Telephone Support Allowance (TSA) of €2.50 will be paid from June 2018. People in receipt of the Living Alone Allowance and the Fuel Allowance will automatically qualify for the TSA. It is expected that approximately 124,176 customers will qualify for the scheme and the estimated full year cost is €16.14 million.

The first payment of the TSA is planned to issue in the week beginning the 4^thJune.

The primary objective of the TSA is to allow the most vulnerable people access to personal alarms or phones for security. The allowance will also encourage social contact and assist in the prevention of social isolation for those living alone.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.