Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024
88. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the criteria regarding having a child under seven came into force for people on disability allowance payment; and the case of a child (details supplied) will be reviewed. [36397/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February 2022, in line with commitments in the National Retrofit Plan, the Government announced a number of changes to the Warmer Homes Scheme. These changes were implemented to improve the targeting of the scheme.
One of these changes was to extend the scheme eligibility criteria to include those in receipt of the Disability Allowance for over 6 months and have a child under 7 years. Disability Allowance had not previously been a qualifying payment for the scheme. This change brought the eligibility criteria for the scheme for those in receipt of Disability Allowance in line with the existing criteria for the scheme for those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance. This was an existing qualifying payment, also where the person had a child aged under 7. Young children are at particular risk of long-term impacts from living in a cold home.
The scheme targets support to those most in need and living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact. The eligibility criteria are kept under ongoing review with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) to ensure they are consistent with and complementary to the other income support schemes offered by that Department.
It should be noted that Disability Allowance is a qualifying payment for the Fuel Allowance, which is one of the DSP payments that meet the eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes scheme. Households should apply to DSP in advance of the Fuel Allowance season (end September) to check whether they are eligible.
The Deputy may wish to note that Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need.
The Department of Social Protection's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/ .
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Housing Adaptation Grants can assist older people to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/ .
