Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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373. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue on an application for SWA considering that the claim was received by her Department on 24 August 2022 (details supplied) and the delay that has caused undue financial hardship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56158/22]

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

According to the records of my Department, an application for a basic SWA was received from the person concerned on 24/08/2022.  Requests for further information in support of the person’s application issued on 31/08/2022 and 04/10/2022.  My officials advise there is no evidence of that bank account in my Department’s records and details were sought in error. 

Following your representation, the person’s application has been reviewed and a revised decision issued to the person in writing on 11/11/2022.  On the basis of all information provided, the person’s claim was disallowed as he was found to have means in excess of the prescribed limit of €464 per week for his family composition.  The person’s means were assessed at €691.70 from 24/08/2022 and €558.78 from 05/09/2022 which were derived from Social Welfare Parent's Benefit, insurable employment income and savings. 

If the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision, he may send in any facts or evidence to the Department.  An official will review the decision.  The person can also appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.

If the person’s circumstances change, he can reapply for assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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374. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56170/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for an Exceptional Needs Payment for three months’ rent arrears in September 2022.  As the matter of these rent arrears is being brought before the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), the Department cannot progress the claim at this time.  When the outcome of the RTB case is provided to my Department, it will be possible to make a prompt decision on the person’s application.

Following your representation, the person’s Rent Supplement claim was reviewed.  Due to a change in the person's circumstances her Rent Supplement has been increased from €80.50 to €258.45 per week with effect from 26/09/2022.  Arrears of €1,245.65 due for the period 26/09/2022 to 12/11/2022 will be paid to the person’s nominated bank account on 15/11/2022 together with her revised weekly payment of €258.45.

I trust this clarifies the matter.