Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 June 2024
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an exceptional needs payment can be made available to a person (details supplied), both of whose parents passed away in the past year leaving them with exceptionally high bereavement costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25854/24]
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. An ANP application can be made for assistance with funeral and burial expenses where there is an inability to pay these costs, in part or in full, by the family of the deceased person without causing hardship.
According to the records of the Department, the person concerned applied for an ANP on 30/08/2023 to assist with funeral costs in respect of her late mother. A letter subsequently issued to the person in which she was asked to provide further documentation in support of her claim. As this information was not received, the person’s application could not be progressed. The person concerned submitted a further ANP application to assist with funeral costs in respect of her late mother on 08/03/2024 as well as a new application in respect of her father’s death. A request for further information issued to the person on the same day. As the requested documentation was not received, the applications could not be progressed and they were closed.
Following your representation, two repeat application packs have been issued to the person concerned for her deceased parents . These forms should be completed and returned to my Department with all relevant supporting information. When all the necessary documentation has been received, the claims can be progressed, and the applicant will be advised of the outcome in writing.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
