284. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection what efforts can be made to assist a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46037/24]

The Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme which is the safety net within the overall social welfare system, helps eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.  Supports provided under the SWA scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANP)s.  The basic SWA provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.

According to the records of the Department, the person concerned applied for a basic SWA payment while a decision is pending on her Jobseekers Transitional Payment application.  This basic SWA claim is currently awaiting further information to be supplied by the person concerned in relation to her self-employment.  However, the person met with a Community Welfare Officer on 05/11/2024 at the Maynooth Social Welfare Branch Office and was issued with an ANP of €275 while her basic SWA claim is pending.  Once the required documentation for the persons basic SWA claim has been received, the claim will be reviewed promptly, and the customer will be advised of the outcome in writing.

Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment (JST) is a social welfare payment for people who are parenting alone, whose youngest child is aged between 7 and 14.  It is a means-tested payment.  Qualifying conditions for JST can be found here gov.ie - Jobseeker's Transitional Payment (www.gov.ie) .

According to the records of the Department, the person concerned applied for JST payment on 19/09/2024.  This claim is currently being examined by a Social Welfare Inspector (SWI).  When the SWI completes their investigation, a decision will issue to the person in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter.