Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
383. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether a person (details supplied) qualifies for an exceptional needs payment, submitted via this office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56278/23]
View answerUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs), and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary. ANPs are administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for an ANP to assist with rent arrears. A request for the following information in support of the claim has issued to the person:
• Letter from landlord confirming a repayment plan for the arrears has been agreed.
• Copy of rent arrears.
• Verification of address, e.g., copy of lease/rent book or utility bill.
Separately, the person concerned has indicated that she wishes to apply for Rent Supplement (RS) which is a short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that for those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
Amongst other qualifying criteria, a RS applicant must have been living in private rented housing for a period of 183 days within the previous 12 months of the date of their application.
Persons with a long-term housing need should contact their local authority where information is available regarding suitable housing supports including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
The following documentation has been requested from the person concerned in support of their claim:
• RS1 form completed by person concerned and their landlord.
• Proof of rent for 6 out of the past 12 months.
• Tenancy agreement.
• Two utility bills.
• Six-months statement for all financial accounts held.
• Proof of ownership from the landlord.
When the necessary information has been received, the person’s ANP and RS applications will be assessed promptly, and they will be advised of the outcome in writing.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
