Department does its bit for the homeless

In relation to the letter in the Irish Examiner (February 18), which stated that homeless people must produce receipts for two nights’ hostel accommodation in order to get welfare payments, this is not correct.

There is no requirement on homeless people to produce receipts for hostel accommodation in order to get a payment from the Department of Social Protection.

The Department’s Homeless Persons Unit provides payments under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme and offers advice on entitlements to homeless women and families at 41 Castle Street, Dublin 2, and to homeless men at Oisín House, 212-213 Pearse Street, Dublin 2 or by calling 1800-724724.

A person who is homeless, rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness should contact the Central Placement Service directly at 6-9 Conyngham Road, Dublin, in the Dublin City Council area or if a person has a local connection to the other Dublin local authority areas, they can contact the Homeless Assessment and Placement Service in the Housing Department in Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. These are specialised services available that provide information and advice and an initial contact assessment to place a person into temporary accommodation and will also assign a Housing Officer. A 24-Hour Homeless Helpline is also available on 1800-707707 to assist people during out of hours.

Niamh Fitzgerald

Department of Social Protection

Store Street

Dublin 1