Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department of Social Protection may make a single exceptional needs payment (ENP) to help meet essential, once-off and unforeseen expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. The Government has provided €31.3 million for the ENP scheme in 2014.

An application can be made under the ENP scheme for assistance with funeral and burial expenses. In 2014, the Department has supported over 2,000 applicants with financial assistance towards these costs, at a cost of €3.4 million.

An ENP is a means tested payment payable at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the applicant and that of the deceased person including any savings, property, insurance policies, etc. The Department official will also consider if a bereavement payment is available from any other source including former employer, credit union or trade union.

Any persons who consider that they have an entitlement to an ENP under the SWA scheme should contact the Department.