Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:304. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the recourse a person (details supplied) has in circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23534/24]
View answerTuesday, 28 May 2024
Questions (304)
Written answers
Under 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 require dental services rests with the Health Service Executive (HSE).
According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for an ANP on 15/02/2024 to assist with the cost of emergency dental treatment. This claim was disallowed on the basis that dental expenses are of a recurring and predictable nature and therefore an exceptional need could not be established. In addition, dental expenses do not fall under the remit of the SWA Scheme. The person concerned was advised of the outcome of their application in writing on 05/03/2024 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 a request from the person concerned, 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 an exceptional need could not be established as dental work is not considered exceptional and does not fall under the remit of the SWA Scheme. Correspondence issued to the person concerned on 30/04/2024 advising them of the outcome of the review.
If the person concerned feels that they have been treated unfairly, they have the right of recourse to contact The Office of the Ombudsman, 6 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 W773, Telephone number: 01-639 5600 / 1890 22 30 30, Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.ie.
If the person concerned is experiencing financial difficulties with other essential 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 for the Deputy.