383. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) from a self-employed individual who has experienced a sudden and substantial loss of business income and is now experiencing difficulty in meeting mortgage repayments, utility bills and other essential living expenses; the supports available in such circumstances; whether additional measures are available in cases of temporary financial hardship where the individual intends to continue operating their business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54464/26]

My department delivers a range of social welfare payments which can assist a person at a time of hardship.  Following your representation, the person concerned was contacted to discuss their circumstances and income support options.  The option of applying for a Jobseeker’s payment was outlined to the person; however, they indicated that they did not wish to pursue a claim for this scheme.

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.  Similar to Jobseekers Allowance, SWA is a means tested payment and if the person has financial resources from any income source, including self-employment, to meet the need, it would be expected that they would provide for the need from that source.

Under the SWA scheme, my department may also make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income or household and personal resources.  This support is intended to assist with once-off or exceptional expenses that a person is unable to meet from their normal weekly income.  ANPs are administered by Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) in the Community Welfare Service (CWS), considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.  All applications are considered on a case-by-case basis based on the need presenting.

The specific purpose of an ANP is to assist with immediate and essential expenses in situations of exceptional or urgent need.  It is only intended to provide once-off short-term assistance where no other options are available.  The ANP does not cover non-essential household or personal expenses, or costs that are the responsibility of another government department or agency.

To date, no application for an ANP has been received from the person concerned.  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 verified MyGovID account they can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter.