Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 36: To ask the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No 253 of 17 May 2011 if cognisance was given to the fact that a person's (details supplied) income was less than their outgoings; that their situation was so adjudicated by a professional, that MABS in any event could not increase their payment and that the initial refusal of exceptional needs payment is in fact the catalyst in that failure to address the position at that stage has resulted in the present position which now requires the issue of an exceptional needs payment; if this issue can now be arranged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13099/11]

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

The position remains as advised in question number 253 which was answered for the Deputy on 17 May 2011 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 person concerned was refused an exceptional needs payment in this case and advised in writing of her right to appeal the decision to the relevant appeals office in the HSE. The person concerned has also been advised of the availability of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) which is a free and confidential service for people with debt problems and money management problems. The person concerned should contact her local community welfare officer where any entitlements she may have can be discussed.