John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 35: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a claim for supplementary allowance will be expedited and approved and if a separate application for the purpose of assistance with the purchase of special footwear will also be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [13091/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the supplementary allowance scheme an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the HSE based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or HSE payment. The community welfare officer (CWO) in the HSE has advised that the application for assistance with home heating costs made on 6th May 2011 has been granted and a payment has already issued to the person concerned. An application form for assistance relating to special footwear needs has been forwarded to the person concerned. When the application form has been returned to the CWO, the application for assistance will be examined.