Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
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776. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 24 October 2023, the number of applications her Department received and were granted, or denied, and the reasons for denial in those cases, of a payment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48562/23]

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 essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. 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.

During the period 1st January 2023 to 31st September 2023, in total, 3,022 Additional Needs Payments were registered, 2,108 Additional Needs Payments were awarded and 265 Additional Needs Payments were disallowed, in respect of customers in County Clare. This does not reflect claims that were withdrawn, cancelled or awaiting further information. These figures represent a snapshot of claim activity and are subject to change.

The main reasons for disallowance on these applications were that either the need was not established, or that the applicant had sufficient means available to them and could meet the need from their own resources or from an alternative source.

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. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.