How do I access Community Welfare Services in Thurles?
Thurles has one of 14 Community Welfare Officers in Tipperary.
This is according to Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Heather Humphries in response to a recent
parliamentary question from Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne.
In her response, Minister Humphries said CWOs are physically on site daily Monday to Friday, in Thurles and Clonmel Intreo offices.
The Intreo office in Thurles is located in the Tipperary Technology Park, Racecourse Road.
In addition to meeting citizens in Intreo Centres, Branch Offices and DSP offices, CWOs can facilitate an appointment within a short time of a person requiring such a meeting, at a mutually agreed location, including at the person’s home. But, Minister Humphrey’s also said one does not need to meet a CWO in person.
Minister Humphrey’s said:
“While local face-to-face engagement with clients continues to be a cornerstone of the community welfare service, it is important to mention that a person does not need to meet with a CWO to make an application and any person who needs to access the Community Welfare Service (CWS) can call the CWS National Contact Phoneline at 0818 60 70 80, to make an appointment or to speak directly to a CWO.
“A person can speak with a CWO over the phone if they do not wish to travel to meet with a CWO in person. CWS staff working on the phoneline are dealing with approximately 5,000 callers per month. This service is proving very popular with customers in rural areas, who can have their needs met without the requirement to travel.”
The Community Welfare Service provides financial support to people on a low incomes or who are in receipt of a social welfare payment.
The service can also support people in an emergency or who are experiencing hardship.
According to Citizen’s Information, Community Welfare are responsible for administering the following payments:
*Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA)
*Diet and Heating Supplements
*Rent Supplement
*Additional Needs Payments