Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
40. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a slightly more liberal attitude can be taken in the determination of applications for exceptional needs payments in view of the economic circumstances arising from the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25024/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may make an exceptional needs payment to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. An urgent needs payment may be made to persons who may not normally qualify for supplementary welfare allowance but who have an urgent need which they cannot meet from their own resources or where an alternative is not available at that time. Government has provided €44.2 million for the exceptional and urgent needs schemes in 2020. The exceptional needs payment scheme is demand led and payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case. This is done in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance. Exceptional needs payments are not subject to the habitual residence condition and payments can be made to people who do not qualify for other social welfare supports. Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an exceptional or urgent needs payment should contact my Department's Community Welfare Service. My Department has established an Income Support Line - 1890 800 024 – which can be used by customers at this time to contact the Department. Staff can advise them on how to make an application for assistance from the Department. If the Deputy has concerns about a particular case, I would ask him to bring it to the attention of my Department. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
