Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2024
238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment might be considered in the case of a person (details supplied) who has numerous health issues and who recently moved into new accommodation but needs some assistance towards fitting out the property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17264/24]
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 the customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary. ANPs are means tested and 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 07/02/2024 to assist with the cost of furnishing their new home. This claim was disallowed on the basis that the person had adequate savings to meet the cost of the required items. The person concerned was advised of the outcome of their application in writing on 21/02/2024 and afforded 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 a request from the person concerned, a SWA Reviewing Officer reviewed the claim and considering the circumstances of the case, upheld the original decision made by the Designated Person, on the basis that the person has adequate savings to meet the costs of furnishing their new home. Correspondence issued to the person concerned on 04/03/2024 advising them of the outcome of the review.
If the person concerned requires assistance with an essential expense that they are unable to meet from their own means in the future, it is open to them to make a new application for assistance by completing a SWA1 form. This form is available in all Intreo Centres 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. Alternatively, if the person has a verified MyGovID account they can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
