Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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407. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application by a person (details supplied) for a basic supplementary welfare allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3224/23]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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408. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application by a person (details supplied) for rent supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3225/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.

The Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system which helps eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Supports provided under the SWA scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANPs).

The basic SWA provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.

Rent Supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Persons with a long-term housing need should contact their local authority where information is available regarding suitable housing supports including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). A HAP application can be submitted to the local authority in conjunction with a RS application.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned currently has pending applications for a basic SWA and Rent Supplement (RS).

The person concerned applied for a basic SWA application with effect from 11/01/2023. A Community Welfare Officer (CWO) contacted the person to request further information in support of his application. When this information is received the person’s basic SWA application will be progressed.

The person concerned applied for a RS application with effect from 05/12/2022. A letter subsequently issued to the person requesting further information in support of his application. On receipt of the requested documentation the person’s RS application will be progressed.

I trust this clarifies the matter.