211. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Social Protection for assistance related to a welfare application (details supplied). [13165/26]

I refer to your Parliamentary Question, regarding an application for an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) for rent arrears. The rent for this property was supported by the local authority through the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme.

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet expenses that an eligible person cannot pay from their weekly income, personal and/or household resources. The ANP scheme is demand led and administered by Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) in the Community Welfare Service (CWS), taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance. Supports from this Department are not intended to cover circumstances where responsibility rests with another Government Department or Agency. The responsibility in this instance rests with the local authority.

According to the records of the Department, the person applied for an ANP on 12/02/2026 to assist with the cost of rental arrears due to the Local Authority on their rented accommodation. As the responsibility for the assessment and collection of rent for HAP rests with the local authority, the individual was advised in the first instance, to contact HAP section to discuss the arrears and to negotiate a suitable repayment plan

If the person is experiencing financial difficulties with other cost of living/household expenses, it is open to them to make an application for assistance by completing a SWA1 form and providing all necessary supporting documentation. This form is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices and can also be requested by calling the National CWS freephone line at 0818 60 70 80 or at www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. Alternatively, if they have a verified MyGovID account, they can apply for an ANP at: www.MyWelfare.ie

I trust this clarifies the matter.