Brendan Griffin
Question:450. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59440/22]
View answerTuesday, 29 November 2022
Questions (450)
Written answers
The purpose of the Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) is to assist people with essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.
ENPs are demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
Applications for ENPs are made under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service in my Department.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for assistance with the purchase of household items and flooring for her new accommodation. Having assessed the circumstances of the claim, the Designated Person awarded the person the sum of €230 towards expenses.
A decision letter recently issued to the person concerned advising her of the outcome of her application and affording her the option of seeking a review of the Designated Person’s decision.
Determinations made in relation to claims made under Sections 200, 201 and 202 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation Act) 2005, namely allowances-in-kind, ENPs and UNPs, can be reviewed by a SWA Reviewing Officer under Section 323 of that Act.
Following your representation, a review of the claim is being undertaken by a SWA Review Officer. When the review has been completed person will be advised of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter.