Household charge payment 'not necessary' for social welfare application.

The Department of Social Protection has confirmed it is not necessary for people applying for social welfare to provide proof of payment of the household charge.

Responding to claims from a woman in Arklow, Co. Wicklow, that she was asked to supply proof of payment, as part of her application for a Public Service Card, the Department says she would only be asked to show a receipt as proof of address.

It states that payment of the household charge is not a pre-condition to secure a Social Welfare payment.

Furthermore, the receipt is just one of a number of proof of address options open to clients.

Earlier the Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes called on the Department to clarify whether people trying to claim social welfare must prove they've paid the charge.

Gisela Schubert says the letter she received made her feel she was being blackmailed into paying the charge, which she hasn't so far done: “It lists all the requirements and documents you should bring for the appointment to register.

“One of the items under the ‘Evidence of Address’ heading asks for property lease, tenancy agreement or payment of household charge.”