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Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 April 2022

Thursday, 28 April 2022

Ceisteanna (230)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if financial assistance will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21543/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my department can make a single Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.  There is no automatic entitlement to these payments which are payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case. 

According to the records of my department an application for financial assistance has not been received from the person concerned.  For the convenience of the person an application pack for an Exceptional Needs Payment has been posted to her home address.  When the completed form and supporting documentation has been received, the person’s application will be assessed, and she will be advised of the outcome in writing.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of a State Pension Contributory,  a Living Alone Increase, Household Benefits Package, Telephone Support Allowance and Free Travel.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

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