Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the HSE based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or HSE payment. The HSE has advised that the person concerned was refused assistance in this instance as the need was not established. The person concerned has been notified of this decision and advised of her right of appeal.