Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
456. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for an exceptional needs payment will be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11623/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Exceptional Needs Payment (ENP) is to assist people with essential expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income.
The ENP 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 in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance. The ENP does not cover non-essential household or personal expenses, or costs that are the responsibility of another government department or agency.
Applications for ENPs are made under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service in my Department.
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for an ENP for assistance with medical expenses, car repairs, car tax and insurance and an energy bill. Having considered the circumstances of the case, the Designated Person disallowed the claim on the following basis;
- medical expenses are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE)
- an invoice for car repairs was not provided
- car tax and insurance costs are deemed predictable of nature and should be met from the person’s resources
- the person has already received the Government’s electricity credit of €200
A decision letter issued to the person on 27/02/2023 advising the outcome of her application and affording the person 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 Review Officer under Section 323 of that Act.
Following a request from the person concerned, a review of the decision was undertaken by a SWA Review Officer. After consideration of the person’s circumstances, the Review Officer has awarded the person an ENP of €200 to assist with energy costs, which will issue this week. Decisions made regarding other expenses sought have been upheld by the SWA Review Officer.
It is open to the person concerned to apply for car repair costs when a quotation/invoice is available.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
