Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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417. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an emergency supplementary social welfare payment can issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5352/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) Basic payment is a short term emergency payment that can be made pending the award of the most appropriate primary payment, such as Jobseekers Allowance or Disability Allowance.  If a person is fit for work, they should apply for a Jobseekers Allowance, and if a person is unfit for work due to illness or disability, they should apply for a Disability Allowance.  Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance may then be paid while the primary claim is being processed.  An Exceptional Needs Payment is available to assist people with once off expenditure that is exceptional in nature and cannot be met from any other source.

I am advised that my Department has no record of receipt of an application for any of the above payments from the person concerned, including an Exceptional or Urgent Needs Payment.  I have, however, made arrangements for a Designated Officer from our Community Welfare Services to make urgent contact the customer in relation to the matter.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.