Written answers

Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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440. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which emergency access to a payment is available to persons in challenging circumstances with particular reference to the ongoing impact of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5768/21]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department provides a range of supports for families and individuals in need of financial support during the Covid 19 pandemic.  Financial assistance for individuals and households who are in challenging circumstances as a result of the pandemic is available through the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme. 

The SWA scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependants. There are several payments within the scheme, including weekly payments, income supplements, Exceptional Needs Payments and Urgent Needs Payments, which are available to provide supports to people that are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Any person who considers they may have an entitlement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme should contact the Community Welfare Service at their local INTREO centre.  There is a national Income Support Helpline in place (1890 800 024) which will assist callers to make contact with the appropriate office. 

If the Deputy has concerns about a particular case or particular issue relating to the Covid 19 pandemic, he should bring it to the attention of my Department.   

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.  

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