Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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483. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision can urgently issue on an supplementary welfare allowance claim for a person (details supplied) given that their application was submitted several weeks ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49526/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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A basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) is a weekly allowance paid to people who do not have enough income to meet their needs and those of their families.

If a person has no income, they may be entitled to the basic SWA. If a person’s weekly income is below the SWA rate for their family size, a payment may be made to bring their income up to the appropriate SWA rate. If a person has claimed a social welfare benefit or pension but it has not yet been paid and they have no other income, they may qualify for basic SWA while awaiting a decision on their claim.

According to the records of my Department, an application for a basic SWA was received from the person concerned on 24/08/2022. A request for further information in support of the person’s application issued on 31/08/2022.

Following a representation from the Deputy, a review of the request for information was undertaken by my officials. An amended request for information was sent to the person concerned on 04/10/2022 and separately to the Deputy’s office.

When this information is returned the person’s application will be assessed and they will be advised of the outcome in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter.