Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
369. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for exceptional needs payment can be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22343/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. This is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs), and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from the customer’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary. ANPs are administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case. Supports from my Department are not intended to cover circumstances where another Government Department or Agency has the primary responsibility. The responsibility for the provision of assistance to those who reside in Local Authority housing and require repairs and/or maintenance rests with the Local Authority. According to the records of the Department, the person concerned applied for an ANP on 07/05/2024 to assist with the cost of replacing windows and doors in their home. This claim was disallowed on the basis that there are provisions within the person’s Local Authority for these types of repairs and/or maintenance that may be required. The person concerned was advised of the outcome of their application in writing on 08/05/2024 and afforded 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 Reviewing Officer under Section 323 of that Act. Following your Parliamentary Question, a SWA Reviewing Officer reviewed the claim and considering the circumstances of the case, upheld the original decision made by the Designated Person, on the basis that the person concerned is residing in a Local Authority dwelling and therefore the responsibility for repairs/maintenance to the dwelling lies primarily with the person’s Local Authority. Correspondence issued to the person concerned on 15/05/2024 advising them of the outcome of the review. A person in this position is advised to contact their Local Authority where information is available regarding suitable supports. If the person concerned is experiencing financial difficulties with other household/cost-of-living expenses, it is open to them to make a new application for assistance by completing a SWA1 form. This form is available in all Intreo Centres and can also be requested by calling the National CWS freephone line at 0818 60 70 80 or at www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. Alternatively, if the person has a verified MyGovID account they can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie. I trust this clarifies the matter.
