Sir, – A letter (Cadhla Ní Frithile, February 17th) 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 social welfare entitlements to homeless women and families at 41 Castle Street, Dublin 2 and to homeless men at Oisin House, 212-213 Pearse Street, Dublin 2 or by calling 1800 724 724.
A person who is homeless, rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness should contact the Central Placement Service directly at 6-9 Conyngham Road Parkgate Hall, Dublin 8 in the Dublin City Council area or if a person has a local connection to the other Dublin local authority areas, he/she can contact the Homeless Assessment and Placement Service in the Housing Department in Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council or Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council.
These are specialised services that provide information and advice and an initial contact assessment to place a person in temporary accommodation and will also assign a housing officer, who will work with the person to put in place more long-term accommodation options.
A 24-hour homeless helpline is also available on 1800 707 707 to assist people during out of hours. – Yours, etc,
NIAMH FITZGERALD,
Press Officer,
Department of Social
Protection,
Áras Mhic Dhiarmada,
Store Street,
Dublin 1.