The Department of Social Protection has received 75,000 applications for emergency social welfare payments this year, as many families struggle amid the cost of living crisis.
In the Dail on Wednesday, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys confirmed that 75,000 applications for emergency additional needs payments were processed and awarded. She said: "This represents a 63% increase in awarded applications compared to the same period in 2021.
"We have already paid an additional €46 million in additional needs payments so far this year, and it's important to say that some of this payment can be attributed to the response to support families arriving from Ukraine. Generally speaking where it is clear that a person has an immediate need every effort is made to ensure that they receive the payment on the same day," added Minister Humphreys.
Read more: Social welfare Ireland: Over 114,000 people to get €500 bonus payment tomorrow
The Minister also added that the overall expenditure on the additional needs payment for the period from January to end of October 2022 amounted to €46 million.
Minister Humphreys confirmed that a new helpline has recently been set up to assist people. There will also be a full-time community welfare officer presence in all 50 Intreo offices nationwide from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
The Department is currently recruiting 74 additional staff for the Community Welfare Service, and they are expected to be in place for the first quarter of next year.
Here's everything you need to know about the additional needs payment and who is eligible to apply for this emergency payment.
What is the Additional Needs Payment?
The Additional Needs Payment is a payment to help you with an expense that you cannot pay from your weekly income. You may get an Additional Needs Payment if you are working and on a low income, or getting a social welfare payment.
When you apply for the payment, your income and circumstances will also be assessed to see if you qualify to receive it. Included in the Additional Needs Payment is the Exceptional Needs and Urgent Needs payments.
What can I get it for?
The Additional Needs Payment can help you with an expense that you cannot pay from your weekly income. For example:
- An increase in your fuel or electricity costs
- Essential repairs to property, including motor vehicles and replacing household appliances and furniture
- Funeral costs
- Deposits for private rented accommodation
- Bedding and cooking utensils, if you are setting up home for the first time
- Food, clothing and shelter after an emergency event such as a fire or flood
- Recurring travel costs to hospital
- Visiting a relative in hospital or prison
How to qualify for the Additional Needs Payment
In order to qualify for this payment, you must meet these criteria:
- Live in Ireland
- Have an income below the 'weekly household income' limit
When you apply for an Additional Needs Payments your application will be assessed by a Community Welfare Officer (CWO). They will look at at your circumstances and decide if you qualify for the payment.
There is no set rate for an Additional Needs Payment, and the amount you get will depend on your circumstances. You can post your application for an Additional Needs Payment or make an appointment with your local CWO.
If you do post your application, the CWO may issue a payment or arrange an appointment to meet with you.
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