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Exceptional Needs Payment Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2018

Tuesday, 19 June 2018

Ceisteanna (530)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

530. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26257/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As advised in the reply to Question No. 1224 of 12 June 2018, the person concerned was awarded an interim payment of supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) following the withdrawal of her widow’s pension on grounds of cohabitation. The SWA payment was awarded as an interim payment while the person was awaiting a decision on an appeal against the disallowance of their Pension and was advised that a negative decision on the appeal would result in discontinuation of the SWA payment.

On 27th April, 2018 the Social Welfare Appeals Office advised the appellant of their decision to uphold the disallowance of widow’s pension. Accordingly, the SWA payment was suspended on 10th May, 2018.

The purpose of an exceptional needs payment (ENP) is to assist people with once-off expenditure which is exceptional and unforeseen and cannot be met from any other source, and given the circumstances of the case, they could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their normal weekly income.

ENPs are not intended to cater for expenses which are of a predictable and recurring nature or to replace a weekly income.

If the person concerned feels that she meets the qualifying criteria for receipt on an ENP, it is open to her to submit an application to the community welfare service where her circumstances will be assessed and a decision made accordingly.

If there have been any changes in her circumstances, the person concerned should submit a new claim for widow’s pension or supplementary welfare allowance.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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