Publication
Operational Guidelines: SWA - Urgent Needs Payments
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, a special payment may be made to meet an urgent need, for example, arising from a fire or flood. These payments are known as Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs).
Anyone may qualify for a special payment to meet an urgent need, for example, arising from a fire or flood. However, there is no automatic entitlement to such payments. UNPs are payable at the discretion of department’s representative taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
The assessment of capital using the formula outlined at Property and Capital Section does not apply to Urgent Needs Payments. Where you have capital resources or the availability to access alternative resources sufficient to meet the need, it would be expected that you provide for the need from that source.
The payments may be for items such as food, clothing, fuel, household goods, shelter and so on.
The rates vary depending on the type of assistance required.
Applications for Urgent Needs Payments may be made to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection's representative (formerly known as the Community Welfare Officer) at your local office.
For Supplementary Welfare Allowance Operational Guidelines click here