Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
89. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of additional needs payments issued to date in 2026 nationally, and in Cavan and Monaghan; the number for the equivalent period in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31235/26]
View answerThe 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. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers.
Table 1 below shows the number of Additional Needs Payments issued in County Cavan, County Monaghan and nationally in Q1 of 2025 and Q1 of 2026.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an heating supplement 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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1 - Number of Additional Needs Payments issued in County Cavan, County Monaghan and nationally in Q1 of 2025 and 2026.
|
County |
Q1 2025 |
Q1 2026 |
|
Cavan |
292 |
175 |
|
Monaghan |
306 |
220 |
|
Nationally |
17,012 |
14,262 |
