Assistance for those affected by Storm Ashley
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 Storm Ashley following severe weather conditions.
The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme prevents hardship by providing income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from severe weather events and who are unable to meet costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.
Minister Humphreys said: “I’m very conscious of the serious disruption that severe weather is causing for individuals and families affected by Storm Ashley. The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is open and support is available.
“I recently secured a further €3 million in funding for the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme administered by my department. In addition, In recognition of the supports needed I have recently increased the income limits for the scheme from:
•€30,000 to €50,000 for a single person
•€50,000 to €90,000 for a couple
•€10,000 to €15,000 per dependent child”
Minister Humphreys added:
“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.”
In dealing with emergency events the department generally adopts a three-stage approach as follows:
• Stage 1 provides emergency income support payments (food/clothing/personal items) in the immediate aftermath of the event
• Stage 2 involves the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items
• Stage 3 is to identify what longer term financial support is required, including plastering, dry-lining, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting
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 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.
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.