Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) might qualify for an exceptional needs payment given the traumatic situation they have experienced, and continue to experience, including suffering from depression; if urgent arrangements can be made to make an ENP available in their case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42101/23]
View answerUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments (ANPs) to help meet expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income. Items for which an ANPs may be provided include:
• the increased cost of heating and electricity,
• essential repairs to property and replacing household appliances and furniture,
• assistance with deposits for private rented accommodation,
• furniture, bedding and other items if you are setting up a home for the first time,
• funeral costs,
• recurring travel expenses such as for hospital appointments or visiting relatives in hospital or prison, or
• assistance with immediate needs such as food, clothing and accommodation expenses following an emergency event such as a house fire.
The scheme is demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the Designated Persons administering the scheme considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case. The person must provide personal, financial, household, and other information in support of their claim to determine eligibility and to establish a need arising.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned has not made an application for assistance under the SWA scheme. If the person concerned is experiencing financial difficulty with cost-of-living expenses, they can apply for an Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP). My officials have issued an ENP pack to the person concerned which can be completed and returned to the Community Welfare Service with documentation supporting the application.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
