Operational Guidelines: SWA - Heating Supplement

A supplement may be paid in respect of exceptional heating needs where the claimant satisfies the general conditions of entitlement to Supplementary Welfare Allowance.

The legislation relating to a Heating Supplement can be found in Article 38(2)(a) of the Social Welfare (Consolidated Supplementary Welfare Allowance) Regulations 2007 to 2011.

In order to qualify for a Heating Supplement the claimant must live alone or only with a qualified adult or child/children and must have exceptional heating needs due to ill-health or infirmity.

In addition the Department’s representative may award a supplement in respect of exceptional heating needs in any case where it feels that the circumstances of the case warrant such a payment.

Applications for a Heating Supplement may be made to your local Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection Office administering Supplementary Welfare Allowance.