Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
52. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for the supplementary welfare allowance per month, for the past three years, specifying the original qualifying welfare payment and the reasons for each application by percentage, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2840/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. Supports provided under the scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as Additional Needs Payments.
The Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. This assistance is subject to the person having the right to reside and satisfying the Habitual Residence Condition.
Monthly statistics are not maintained on the number of applications on the Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowances scheme by reason. However, they are available on recipient numbers, by claim category at year end.
Table 1 below shows the number and percentage of recipients by claim category at end of 2023, 2024 and 2025.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Table 1: Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance – Recipients by claim category at year end 2023-2025
|
Claim category |
End of 2023 |
% of Total |
End of 2024 |
% of Total |
End of 2025 |
% of Total |
|
Sick No Benefit |
3,959 |
29.20% |
3,609 |
30.70% |
3,294 |
33.60% |
|
Pending Disability Allowance |
3,858 |
28.50% |
3,631 |
30.90% |
2,836 |
28.90% |
|
Pending Jobseeker's Allowance |
1,206 |
8.90% |
978 |
8.30% |
944 |
9.60% |
|
Pending Illness Benefit |
640 |
4.70% |
482 |
4.10% |
353 |
3.60% |
|
Pending Carer's Allowance |
415 |
3.10% |
466 |
4.00% |
463 |
4.70% |
|
Pending One-Parent Family Payment |
355 |
2.60% |
321 |
2.70% |
264 |
2.70% |
|
Pending State Pension |
213 |
1.60% |
184 |
1.60% |
137 |
1.40% |
|
Pending Jobseeker's Benefit |
126 |
0.90% |
83 |
0.70% |
49 |
0.50% |
|
Pending Other Social Welfare Payments |
2,779 |
20.45% |
2,007 |
17.06% |
1,478 |
15.05% |
|
Grand Total |
13,551 |
100% |
11,761 |
100% |
9,818 |
100% |
