Supplementary Welfare Allowance

Supplementary Welfare is a weekly allowance paid to people who do not have enough income to meet their needs or the needs of their family. There can also be a one-off payment of SWA.

These are the main points to consider for the payment:

• It is administered through Department of Social Protection by DSP Designated Officers - formally Community Welfare Officers

• Eligibility criteria applies

• Claimants undergo a means test, but it also considers ‘need’

• There are Entitlement based payments and Discretionary based payments

What Is The Means Test For SWA?

The Means Test looks at Cash Income, Property and Income:

• Cash income, including most SW payments, is assessed euro for euro, there are no disregarded allowances

• Property, other than the family home, is assessed based on its market value as decided by an official valuation

The Means Test will also consider any income or property the claimant gave up in order to qualify for SWA

How Is Capital and Property Assessed?

All income from capital and property is assessed as follows:

• First €5,000 = €0 assessable means

• Next €10,000 = €10 assessable means (€1 per €1000)

• Next €25,000 = €50 assessable means (€2 per €1000)

• Excess of €50,000 = €4 per €1000

Who is Eligible?

As a general rule, most People in the state whose means are insufficient to meet their needs or the needs of any adult or child dependent are eligible. They usually fall into two categories:

• Those who fail to meet the conditions for entitlement to a weekly social welfare payment

• Those who have applied for a social welfare payment and are awaiting a decision on the application

Not Eligible

You Are Not Eligible if you fall into any of these categories:

• In full-time employment (30hours or more)/full time education

• In an industrial dispute

• Under 18 years of age

• Living in an institution i.e. prison or hospital

• Not habitually resident

• Not living in the State

What Are The Two Types of SWA Payments?

There are two types of SWA Payments. They are:

• Entitlement based payments (Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance and Weekly Supplements for rent and heat)

• Discretionary type payments (Additional Needs Payment)

What Is the Heat Supplement?

• This is a payment where there is proof of an exceptional heating need. The person must be living alone or with a dependent adult or child.

• It usually applies to those with age related or medical needs.

• The amount will be decided by the DSP officer

What Is The Additional Needs Payment?

• This is a payment for exceptional/urgent need

• This is a need that does not occur in weekly life

• This may include deposits for accommodation, fuel bills, connection of power/gas/phone supply