Press release
Minister Humphreys secures additional funding for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme and increases to the income limits
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has today secured a further €3 million in funding for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme administered by the department.
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.
In addition, Cabinet approval has been given to increase the income limits for the scheme with immediate effect. Income limits will now be increased from:
Where a family has a household income over the income limit, a reduced or tapered level of support may be provided.
Commenting this afternoon, Minister Humphreys said:
“I’m very conscious of the serious disruption that severe weather and flooding has on individuals and families.
"A fund of €10 million has been in place for this scheme since 2009 and I am delighted to have secured a further €3 million, increasing the fund to €13 million.”
Minister Humphreys added:
“In view of the increased average income levels since 2009, I have today secured approval for an increase in the income limit levels to ensure they reflect household incomes.
“This will ensure that those most in need of the support of the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme can avail of it, including non-Social Welfare recipients.
“If any homeowner affected by severe weather needs to access these supports, they can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 60 70 80.”
The scheme was activated on 19 October to support households in Cork City and County and West Waterford, including Cork City, Midleton, Youghal, Castletownbere, Mallow, Tallow and Dungarvan and other affected areas.
A total of 223 payments amounting to €147,260 has been made to those affected by the recent flooding.
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.
A three-stage approach in emergency events is adopted:
The income test 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.
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 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.