SWA Additional Needs Payment

SWA – Additional Needs Payment (ANP)

Additional Needs Payment (ANP) is a payment available to you if you have essential expenses that you cannot pay from your weekly income. You may get this payment even if you are not getting a social welfare payment. It may be available to you if you are working and on a low income regardless of the number of hours that you work.

The Department of Social Protection can provide Additional Needs Payments for:

• the increased cost of heating and electricity

• essential repairs to property and replacing household appliances and furniture

• assistance with deposits for private rented accommodation

• furniture, bedding and other items if setting up a home for the first time

• funeral costs

• recurring travel expenses such as for hospital appointments or visiting relatives in hospital or prison

• assistance with immediate needs such as food, clothing and accommodation expenses following an emergency event such as a house fire

• other additional exceptional needs as they happen

The Additional Needs Payment does not cover non-essential household or personal expenses, or costs that are the responsibility of another government department or agency.

Anybody on a social welfare payment or working and getting a low income may qualify for an Additional Needs Payment. When you apply for an Additional Needs Payments your application will be assessed by a Community Welfare Officer (CWO). They will assess:

• your weekly household income

• your savings and investments

• your household expenses

• the type of assistance you need

You must live in Ireland and have an income below the ‘weekly household income’ limit as detailed below:

• Single Person €444

• Couple with no children €544

• Couple with 1 Child €645

• Couple with 2 Children €746

• Couple with 3 Children €847

• Couple with 4 Children €938

• Couple with 5 Children €1,064

• Couple with 6 Children €1,180

• Couple with 7 Children €1,316

• Couple with 8 Children €1,412

In some cases, the CWO can provide a payment if your income is above the weekly household income limit, but it will depend on your individual circumstances and the extent of the need. These income guidelines do not limit an CWO’s discretion when issuing Additional Needs Payments to assist individuals or households in unique hardship.

Due to the nature of the payment, there is no set rate for an Additional Needs Payment. Each application is individually assessed. The amount you get will depend on your circumstances and what you need help with.

You can apply for an Additional Needs Payment by filling application form SWA1.

• This form can be requested by e-mailing cwsforms@welfare.ie (include your name, address and PPSN in your email and the reason for your application)

• You can also get an SWA1 in any Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office

• You can download the form from www.gov.ie/additionalneedspayment

• You can make an online application at www.MyWelfare.ie

You will need to have the following available when you are making an SWA claim:

• Personal Public Service Numbers (PPSNs) for yourself, your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant and your children

• Proof of identity, for example: a Public Services Card (if you have one), a passport, driving license, work permit, Irish residence permit

• Documents to show your income, expenses and financial situation, such as pay slips and bank statements

If you are refused an Additional Needs Payments you may be able to seek a review of that decision with the Department of Social Protection.

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