Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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215. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if and when a basic supplementary welfare payment might be made available, while awaiting disability allowance, in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42096/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme which is the safety net within the overall social welfare system, 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.

According to the records of my Department the person concerned applied for a basic SWA on 20/09/2023. On the same day, a request for the following information in support of the application issued to the person:

• Verification of address (photocopy of lease/rent book or utility bill) or letter from bill payer and utility bill in their name.
• Details/valuations of any properties owned/not personally occupied.
• Last three months statements for any bank, credit union, building society, online accounts held by person and/or spouse.

I trust this clarifies the matter.