Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 November 2025
177. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if the family of an Irish citizen who had been residing in England up until their death would be eligible to apply for an additional needs payment to help cover funeral costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64136/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department can make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person, who normally resides in the State, cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. Such support will depend on the individual circumstances of any given case.
An application can be made under the scheme for assistance with funeral and burial expenses by the person who takes responsibility for those funeral arrangements and where there is an inability to pay these costs, in part or in full, by the applicant and/or the family of the deceased person, without causing hardship.
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.
Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
