Jen Cummins
Question:201. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Social Protection the financial supports are available for people on low income to pay for a reconnection of their electricity. [17460/26]
View answerWednesday, 4 March 2026
Questions (201)
Written answers
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet expenses that an eligible person cannot pay from their weekly income, personal and/or household resources. The ANP scheme is demand led and administered by Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) in the Community Welfare Service (CWS), 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.
If a person is experiencing financial difficulties, it is open to them to make an application for assistance by completing a SWA1 form and providing necessary supporting documentation including relevant financial statements and confirmation of engagement with their electricity provider. This form is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices and can also be requested by calling the National CWS freephone line at 0818 60 70 80 or at www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. Alternatively, if a person has a verified MyGovID account, they can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie.
Information on all my Department’s schemes and payments is available at www.gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter.