Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…
“The Additional Needs Payment is a payment to help you with an expense that you cannot pay from your weekly income” explains Ciara O’Gorman, Development Manager with South Munster Citizens Information Service.
“You may get an Additional Needs Payment if you are getting a social welfare payment, or if you are working and on a low income, regardless of the number of hours that you work.
You don’t need to be getting a social welfare payment and when you apply for the Additional Needs Payment, your income and circumstances will be assessed to find out if you qualify. The Additional Needs Payment includes the Exceptional Needs and Urgent Needs payments.”
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What can I get the Additional Needs Payment for?
“You can get the Additional Needs Payment to help you with an expense that you cannot pay from your weekly income. Some examples of this would be an increase in your fuel or electricity costs, perhaps essential repairs to your property, including motor vehicles, and replacing household appliances and furniture, funeral costs, deposits for private rented accommodation or bedding and cooking utensils, if you are setting up home for the first time.
Other examples would be food, clothing and shelter after an emergency event such as a fire or flood, recurring travel costs to hospital for appointments, or for visiting a relative in hospital or prison or prams, buggies, cots, or essential child safety equipment. This is not a complete list, other expenses can be covered too so it’s worth applying” says Ciara.
How to qualify for an Additional Needs Payment
To qualify for an Additional Needs Payment, you must live in Ireland, and have an income below the ‘weekly household income’ limit.
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Additional Needs Payment weekly household income limit 2024
Members of your household / Amount
Single person €444
Couple with no children €544
1 child. €645
2 children €746
3 children €847
4 children €938
5 children €1,064
6 children. €1,180
7 children €1,316
8 children €1,412
“When you apply for an Additional Needs Payment, your application will be assessed by a Community Welfare Officer (CWO) says Ciara. “The CWO will look at your circumstances and decide if you qualify for the payment.
Remember, in some cases, the CWO can provide a payment if your income is above the weekly household income limit, but it will depend on your exact circumstances. There is no set rate for an Additional Needs Payment and the amount you get will depend on your circumstances and what you need help with.”
How to Apply
You can make a paper application or apply online. Your application will be assessed by a Community Welfare Officer (CWO). You can apply online through MyWelfare.ie. You will need a verified MyGovID account. Alternatively, you can post your application for an Additional Needs Payment, or make an appointment with your local CWO, if you prefer.
If you can’t complete your application online, you can:
• Download an application form for an Additional Needs Payment (SWA1)
• Request an application by completing an online form
• Get an application form from your local Citizens Information Centre, the Community Welfare Service, or your local Intreo or branch office.
You will need some of the following to apply:
• PPS number for you and people in your family that are dependent on you such as your partner or children
• Proof of your identity such as Public Services Card, Driving Licence or Passport
• Proof of address such as a household bill
• Proof of residency such as an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) or EU/EEA passport or national ID card
• Proof of income and financial situation such as payslips and bank statements.
• Deirdre Vann Bourke, Kerry Citizens Information Manager, said: For anyone needing information, advice or have an advocacy issue, you can call a member of the local Citizens Information team in Kerry on 0818 07 7860, they will be happy to assist and make an appointment if necessary.
The offices are staffed from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Alternatively you can email on tralee@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie for further information.
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