47. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if open GoFundMe campaigns are assessed in additional needs payment applications; and to outline his Departments policy on this. [67323/26]

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.  This also includes supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.

The decision process for Additional Needs Payments involves consideration of the need presented and the ability of the person and their household to meet that need.

This entails an assessment, as opposed to a specific means test, of an applicant’s weekly household income, their savings and investments, their outgoings and the type of assistance needed.  This ensures that support is provided to people with the greatest financial need.

In considering an Additional Needs Payment application, the Community Welfare Officer in addition to the assessment of the ability of the person to meet the need, considers any alternatives available to the customer, including support originating from a GoFundMe campaign.

Furthermore, Additional Needs Payments are not generally intended to cover circumstances where responsibility rests with another Government Department or Agency.

Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service.  There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.  In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.

I understand the Deputy is referring to a particular case and I have asked my officials to follow up with the Deputy directly.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.