Working for Work : Chapter 2 : Coping with Poverty

Applying for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance Payment

You can make an application for any of the above Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) payments through the Community Welfare Officer (CWO) at your local health centre.

In certain areas Rent Supplement is dealt with by a specific office, not the Community Welfare Officer, and can only be applied for by post through a PO Box number. Please contact the HSE for more information on your local HSE Office or Rent Supplement Office on 1850 24 1850 or the INOU on (01) 856 0088

 

Basic Weekly SWA payments

The Social Welfare Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2003 allows a CWO to determine if a person is Genuinely Seeking Work, where that person would normally be expected to apply for a Jobseeker's payment. If you have applied for a Jobseeker's Allowance/Benefit payment or are appealing the refusal of a JA/JB payment CWOs now have the authority to seek proof of your efforts in 'Genuinely Seeking Work' (see chapter 1) when assessing your entitlement to a basic weekly SWA payment. If they decide that you are not Genuinely Seeking Work they could refuse your application for an SWA payment.

 

Your HSE office can provide official application forms to complete. Application forms can be downloaded from the CWS website at http://communitywelfareservice.ie/cws_public/. Remember to keep a copy of your original application if possible

This application will give you the opportunity to explain all the reasons why you need help at that particular time; it will help you to explain your case to the CWO.

• You will need to bring the following items when making your application:
• Proof of where you live and proof of identity.
• Relevant letters from doctors, community workers, social workers, etc. as appropriate.
• If you are looking for Rent Supplement bring your rent book or rent receipts.
• If you are applying for Diet Supplement bring letters from your dietician and consultant.
• Official written quotes from shops or repair-shops if seeking help with essential household goods.

You will be means-tested and decisions normally take about a week. The quicker you can give the CWO all the information needed to make the means test, the quicker s/he can process your claim.

If you are refused payment, you are entitled to be told the reason for refusal in writing. Always keep a copy of this document in case you want to appeal the CWO's decision. Contact the INOU on (01) 856 0088 for more information.

 

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top