Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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38. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which exceptional needs payments continued to meet the needs of various applicants over the past 12 months as was previously the case, with particular reference to applications from bereaved families, in view of the fact that the bereavement grant no longer exists; if she is satisfied that exceptional needs payments continue to be made in line with the need arising from families' circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17285/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department 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 €29 million for the ENP scheme in 2015. The scheme is demand led and is available to assist an individual or household in any particular hardship situation which may arise.

An application can be made under the ENP scheme for assistance with funeral and burial expenses. In 2014, the Department supported approximately 3,000 applicants with financial assistance towards these costs, at a provisional cost of some €4.6 million.

In determining an entitlement to an ENP for funeral expenses the Department official will take into account the circumstances of the individual applicant and of the deceased person, including any savings, property, insurance policies etc., and the ability of other members of the family to meet, or contribute to, the cost involved. The Department official will also consider if a bereavement grant is available from any other source including former employer, credit union, trade union etc.

In addition to the ENP scheme, the Department provides other supports to customers and their families following bereavement, including the continuation of some scheme payments for 6 weeks after a death. The Department also provides the widowed or surviving civil partner's grant which is a once-off payment of €6,000.

Any person who considers that they have an entitlement to any of the supports available should contact the Department.