Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:101. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) was refused an exceptional needs payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4632/24]
View answerWednesday, 31 January 2024
Questions (101)
Written answers
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, the 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 the customer’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 the Department, the person concerned applied for an ANP on 12/01/2024 to assist with the purchase of two batteries for their Mobility Scooter. This claim was disallowed on the basis that the person had adequate means to meet the cost of the batteries from their own resources. A letter issued to the person concerned on 24/01/2024 advising them of the outcome of their application and affording them the option of seeking a review of the Designated Person’s decision.
Determinations made in relation to claims made under Sections 200, 201 and 202 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation Act) 2005, namely allowances-in-kind, ENPs and UNPs, can be reviewed by a SWA Reviewing Officer under Section 323 of that Act.
Following your request, a review of the decision was undertaken. The SWA Reviewing Officer has awarded the person concerned a payment of €172 which will be presented to their nominated bank account in the coming days. A letter issued to the person concerned on 30/01/2024 advising them of this decision.