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.