Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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415. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding social welfare supports for those that work in a freelance capacity; if the exceptional needs payment can be reviewed to allow further flexibility and support for people in this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26747/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department offers a range of income supports to freelance (self-employed) people, including, but not limited to, Jobseeker's Benefit for the Self-Employed, means tested Jobseeker’s Allowance, the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance and the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance.

Additionally, 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 payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income. Entitlement only arises where a person can demonstrate that the expenditure is essential and that they have no means of funding the expenditure themselves.

The decision process for Additional Needs Payments 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. Alternative sources of support availed of by the person, including other State supports that may already be available to the person are also considered.

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.