Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024

Thursday, 7 March 2024

Questions (279)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

279. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether application for an exceptional needs payment can be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11485/24]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Under 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 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 23/10/2023 to assist with the cost of flooring for their new home and was awarded a payment of €945.  A letter issued to the person on 01/11/2023 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 Parliamentary Question, a review of the decision on the ANP application of the person concerned is now being undertaken.  The person was contacted by the SWA Reviewing Officer on 05/03/2024 and advised that a review of the decision on their ANP application is currently progressing.  It is expected that this review will be completed in the coming days and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter.