Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
541. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the way a particular welfare payment (details supplied) was calculated as regards furnishing social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73433/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to assist people with essential expenditure, which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income, and household or personal resources. SWA payments are administered by Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) in the Community Welfare Service (CWS), considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
All ANP applications are considered on a case-by-case basis based on the need presenting. When assessing an application for assistance, an officer will take into account the householder’s income, savings, available resources, as well as essential expenditure and the individual circumstances of the case. These circumstances may include transfers from other social housing, private rented accommodation, tenant in-situ allocations or customers exiting emergency hostels or homeless hub accommodation.
In determining the essential items required to furnish a new allocation, the CWO will consider what items the applicant already has and what is required for occupation of the new property. Guidance on the recommended levels of payment in respect of specific household appliances are available to assist CWS staff and are based on a price comparison analysis at which the appliances can be obtained on a nationwide basis. The payments to the person concerned in this instance for the items supported are in line with the guidance in place.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
