Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
71. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection whether he is aware that applications for assistance with bills under the urgent needs payment scheme in the first three months of this year has doubled. [46299/26]
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.
I am acutely aware of the difficulties people face and it is for this reason that 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.
The main items eligible for assistance under the scheme include help with utility bills, repairs to or replacement of household appliances, clothing, child related items such as cots and prams, assistance with funerals or burial costs, and travel costs.
I am aware that applications for assistance with bills has increased this year and I want people that need help to apply for these payments. The scheme is demand led and my department officials have done a lot of work to promote Additional Needs Payments. As you are aware, in February this year, officers from the Community Welfare Service attended Leinster House to provide relevant information to Oireachtas Members.
I continue to encourage any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment 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. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
