Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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216. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons that have applied for the exceptional needs payment in counties Laois and Offaly from 1 January to date in 2022; the number of applications that were successful; the number rejected; the total amount paid out through the exceptional needs payment during this time period for each county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48757/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department can make additional needs payments to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to exceptional and urgent needs payments, and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.

The scheme is demand led. Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation, and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.

Table 1 shows the number of additional needs payments (excluding supplements) registered, awarded and disallowed in Laois and Offaly from 1st January 2022 to end of August 2022. This does not reflect claims that were withdrawn, cancelled or awaiting further information.

Table 2 shows the total additional needs payment (excluding supplements) expenditure for Laois and Offaly from 1st January 2022 to end of August 2022.

These figures represent a snapshot of claim activity and are subject to change. Figures for September 2022 are not yet available.

Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Tabular Statement

Table 1-The number of additional needs payments (excluding supplements) registered, awarded and disallowed in Laois and Offaly from January 2022 to date(end of Aug)

Table 2- Total additional needs payment ( excluding supplements) expenditure for Laois and Offaly from January 2022 to end of August 2022