Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
328. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for an exceptional need's payment towards funeral expenses, currently refused, might be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31964/23]
View answerUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. An ANP application can be made for assistance with funeral and burial expenses where there is an inability to pay these costs, in part or in full, by the family of the deceased person without causing hardship.
An ANP is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional and Urgent Needs Payments, and certain Supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary.
According to the records of my Department, the person’s application for an ENP for funeral expenses in respect of her late Mother were disallowed on the basis the person concerned is named as an Executor in the deceased’s will. As an Executor, the person can pay debts such as funeral expenses from the deceased’s Estate.
Following your representation, a review of the decision is underway. When the review process has been completed, the Review Officer will confirm the outcome to the person in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
