merrion street

The Department of Social Protection today (Friday, 21 September 2012) has clarified that receipt for payment of the Household Charge is not a pre-condition to secure a Social Welfare payment.

Letters which are issuing from the Department of Social Protection to a number of customers in relation to registration for their Public Services Card asks them to bring proof of identity and evidence of address with them.

The invite letter lists a number of acceptable pieces of evidence of address including a utility bill in the person’s own name, property lease or tenancy agreement or receipt for payment of the Household Charge.

The Department of Social Protection wishes to reassure it customers that payment of household charge is not a requirement for payment of a Social Welfare entitlement or registration for a Public Services Card.