Exceptional Needs Payment Eligibility

Thursday, 28 November 2019

Questions (261)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if exceptional need payments will be made in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49659/19]

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Written answers

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme my Department may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. An urgent needs payment (UNP) may be made to a person who may not normally qualify for SWA but who has an urgent need that cannot be met from their own resources .

The person concerned does not appear to have made an application for an ENP or UNP, but the local Intreo Centre has posted an application form today and requested the person to contact the office.

I trust this clarifies the matter.