Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 June 2018
247. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27348/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs advised in the reply to Question No. 26140-18, the person concerned is in receipt of a jobseekers allowance payment. The rate of payment was reduced in May 2018 for a number of weeks due to the application of a penalty rate arising from non-engagement with the Department’s Employment Services. Full rate was restored when the customer resumed engagement. The person concerned enquired with the Community Welfare Officer on 7/6/18 as to whether the amount of the rate reduction would be reimbursed but was advised that under current legislation this is not possible. The person concerned was also given some general information about Exceptional Need Payments and details of how to apply. According to the records of this Department no application has been received to date. If the person concerned has a difficulty with their rent payment they should contact the office administering their payment by telephone at 01-6732155 or by email at RentsKildareSouth@welfare.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
