Normal day to day clothing needs are expected to be met from weekly social welfare or health board payments. However, there is provision under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme to pay an exceptional needs payment (ENP) to people in certain circumstances who have clothing needs that they cannot be reasonably expected to meet from their weekly income.
In 1995 my Department issued guidelines to the health boards in relation to exceptional needs and urgent needs payments. The guidelines, which were published, were aimed at ensuring greater consistency of treatment of applications for ENPs both within and between the various health boards. Specific guidance was included on the type of circumstances where payment of an ENP may be made for replacement clothing and footwear. No payment rate was specified as community welfare officers are required to examine each case on its own individual merits.