Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
230. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for an exceptional needs payment to assist with hospital treatment travelling costs by a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2284/24]
View answerThere is a range of supports provided by the Community Welfare Service (CWS) under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme. These supports can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as single Additional Needs Payments (ANPs).
My Department may make an 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.
Supports from my Department are not intended to cover circumstances where another Government Department or Agency has the primary responsibility.
Departmental records show that the person concerned has not made an application for assistance under the SWA scheme. If the person is experiencing financial difficulties, they can apply for assistance by completing a SWA1 form and providing all relevant documents in support of their application. For convenience, an application pack has been posted to the person's home address on 17/01/2024. On receipt of a completed application form and supporting documentation, the person's claim will be assessed, and they will be advised of the outcome in writing. Alternatively, if the person concerned has a verified MyGovID account he can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie.
Further information on all of the Department’s schemes and payments is available at www.gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
