Citizens Information – How to apply for supplementary welfare

Question: I was told to apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance while waiting for a decision on Jobseeker's Allowance. What is SWA and where do I apply?   Answer: The Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) Scheme provides a basic weekly allowance for people with little or no income. Its main purpose is to guarantee a basic minimum income and provide immediate help for people waiting for decisions on other State payments. The Scheme also includes: â€Â¢ Rent Supplement; â€Â¢ Mortgage Interest Supplement; â€Â¢ Single payments for urgent or exceptional needs; â€Â¢ Payments in emergency situations, such as flooding. The Health Service Executive (HSE) used to administer the SWA Scheme through its network of Community Welfare Officers (CWOs). All CWOs have recently transferred to the Department of Social Protection and are now known as Department of Social Protection representatives administering Supplementary Welfare Allowance. These officials are still based in health centres, so you will visit your local health centre to apply for a Supplementary Welfare Allowance payment. The Department's representative will have to assess your income - this may involve a home visit. They will actively refer you to other State agencies and/or voluntary organisations, if relevant. For example, they may refer you to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). Before applying for SWA you must have applied for any other benefit or allowance that you may be entitled to. SWA is a means-tested payment. You must also meet the habitual residence condition. You will not normally qualify for any payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme if you are in full-time education or full-time work â€â€ that is, working for more than 30 hours per week.   Further information is available from Tuam Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 093 26161 / Email: tuam@citinfo.ie Address: c/o Social Services Centre, Dublin Road, Tuam OPEN: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 11am-4pm, Thursday 11am-2pm     PLEASE NOTE: We are closed for annual holidays during w/c December 26 and w/c January 2.