Irish public urged to check the eligibility criteria to avoid missing out
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There’s a lesser-known one-off payment that households might be eligible to claim, and one which has no upper limit.
The Department of Social Protection offers this payment, which has no upper limit, and there are two criteria you must meet to receive it. The Additional Needs Payment is designed to help cover an expense that cannot be met from your weekly income or other sources, and it has no maximum ceiling.
With costs of household bills, insurance and groceries all soaring in recent times, a helping hand is the bare minimum that people need to survive what feels like a relentless financial assault coming from all directions.
The payment was introduced to supplement the income of individuals struggling to make ends meet when their weekly income does not cover the spiralling expenses of late. Here’s what you need to know about it and how to qualify:
Who is eligible for an Additional Needs Payment?
You might qualify for an Additional Needs Payment if you are:
Getting a social welfare payment, orWorking and on a low income, regardless of the number of hours that you work
Even if you aren’t currently receiving a social welfare payment, you may still be able to access this payment.
When you submit an application, your income and circumstances will be assessed to establish if you qualify.
What expenses does the Additional Needs Payment cover?
The Additional Needs Payment can help with an expense that you cannot meet from your weekly income or other sources (such as savings).
For instance:
An increase in your fuel or electricity costsEssential repairs to property, including, replacing household appliances and furnitureFuneral costsDeposits for private rented accommodationBedding and cooking utensils, if you are setting up home for the first timeFood, clothing and shelter after an emergency event such as a fire or floodRecurring travel costs to hospital for appointments, or for visiting a relative in hospital or prisonPrams, buggies, cots, or essential child safety equipment
This is not a complete list, and other costs may also be eligible.
How to qualify
To qualify for an Additional Needs Payment, you must:
Live in Ireland, andHave an income below the ‘weekly household income’ limit
A Community Welfare Officer (CWO) will evaluate your application.
The CWO will consider your weekly household income, your savings and investments, your household expenditure, and the type of support you require.
They will examine your circumstances and decide whether you qualify for the payment. In some cases, the CWO can authorise a payment even if your income exceeds the weekly household income limit, although this depends on your specific situation.
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How much will I receive?
There’s no fixed amount for an Additional Needs Payment.
The sum you’re granted will depend on your individual circumstances and the kind of assistance you require.
What do you need to provide when applying for the Additional Needs Payment?
You will need some of the following to apply:
PPS number for you and people in your family that are dependent on you such as your partner or childrenProof of your identity such as Public Services Card, Driving Licence or PassportProof of address such as a household billProof of residency such as an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or EU/EEA passport or national ID cardProof of income and financial situation such as payslips and bank statements
For general information about the Community Welfare Service and application forms, call the number 0818 607 080.
How do I apply?
You can lodge an application either online or via a paper form.
Once you apply for an Additional Needs Payment, a Community Welfare Officer (CWO) will evaluate your case.
You’ll be required to provide details about your weekly household income, outgoings, savings and investments, along with those of other household members. You’ll also need to show evidence of the support you’re requesting.
Applications can be lodged online through MyWelfare.ie. To access this, you’ll need a verified MyGovID account. Alternatively, you can send your application for an Additional Needs Payment by post, or arrange an appointment with your local Community Welfare Officer.
If you choose to submit your application by post, the Community Welfare Officer may either approve a payment or schedule a meeting with you.
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