Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
418. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to indicate if and when an exceptional needs payment might be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied), with particular reference to her need to fit out her new home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53162/23]
View answerAccording to the records of my Department, the person concerned has not made a recent application for assistance under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme.
If the person is experiencing financial difficulty, they can apply for an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) by completing a SWA1 form. The purpose of the ANP is to assist people with essential expenditure, which an eligible person could not be reasonably expected to meet out of their weekly income. Payments are awarded at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case. Applications for ANPs are made under the SWA scheme administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service.
A SWA1 application form is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices and can also be requested by calling the National CWS freephone line at 0818 60 70 80 or at www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. The completed application form together with any supporting documentation can be returned by freepost to Community Welfare Services, PO Box 1107, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Freepost FKE 7512.
For the convenience of the person concerned, an application pack has issued to their home address. When a completed application has been submitted together with all necessary supporting documentation, the person's application will be assessed promptly and they will be advised of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
