Written answers
Tuesday, 9 April 2024
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Social Welfare Payments
Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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766. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will increase the moving-in grant to €6,000 for new-build accommodation to reflect the reality of providing flooring, kitchen appliances, and bedroom and living room furniture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14395/24]
Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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768. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there are plans to increase the current grant of €3,000 to cover costs such as flooring and white goods to help families moving out of homeless accommodation into new-build social homes which are often completely bare, in light of the increases in costs around the provision and installation of flooring, white goods etc.; if she will acknowledge that this amount is no longer adequate to provide the necessary items for families often leaving homelessness with nothing; if she will consider raising this grant substantially; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14402/24]
Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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786. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will increase the move in supplementary welfare allowance for those moving from homeless accommodation into new-build bare style housing, which has been allocated to them by their local council, from €3,000 to €6,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14735/24]
Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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787. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she has considered the costs for a homeless family being rehoused in unfurnished accommodation; whether the present ceiling of €3,000 for establishment costs adequately reflects the true cost of a family setting up home; and if she would consider establishing a higher limit. [14742/24]
Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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799. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is aware of an email she received (details supplied); if she will consider its contents and increase this grant payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14909/24]
Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 766, 768, 786, 787 and 799 together.
The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.
The decision process involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need.
This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed. Other State supports that may already be available to the person are also considered.
Where a tenant cannot furnish their property from within their household resources, the person can apply for an Additional Needs Payment to assist them in furnishing the property. The level of furnishings and appliances required will depend on an assessment of size and nature of the proposed property, the expected level of occupancy and items already available to the customer.
There is no set limit on the level of assistance that may be provided as every case is based on the individual circumstances and needs of the household.
I consider the current assessment process used in determining these claims for assistance with the costs of furnishing a property to be a fair and equitable approach for any person wishing to make an Additional Needs Payment application as it ensures that support is provided to people with the greatest financial need.
Any person who considers that 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 Deputies.
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