From Department of Social Protection
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Last updated on
The Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by flooding in Counties Cork and Waterford following Storm Babet.
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme prevents hardship by providing income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are unable to meet costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.
Commenting this afternoon, Minister Humphreys said:
“I’m very conscious that Storm Babet is causing severe flooding and disruption, particularly in the Midleton area of Cork.
“Other parts of the county and indeed country may also be affected until the storm passes.
“My department is liaising on the ground with the people affected to make sure they have access to the help that they need.
“The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is open and support is available.”
Minister Humphreys added:
“If any homeowner affected by Storm Babet needs to access these supports, they can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 60 70 80.”
In dealing with emergency events the department generally adopts a three-stage approach as follows:
Levels of payment under the scheme depend on the relative severity of damage experienced and the household’s ability to meet these costs, ensuring that the funding is appropriately targeted.
The means assessment for Humanitarian Assistance is more generous than that applied under means tested Social Welfare payments in general. The basic principle of the income test is that individuals and families with average levels of income will qualify for assistance, including non-Social Welfare recipients.
The scheme does not cover risks that are already covered by insurance policies or cover business or commercial losses. It provides targeted assistance to those whose homes are affected.