Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

378. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason that a decision has not been reached to date on an exceptional needs payment for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, in view of the fact this application is with her Department since September 2022 and the person involved is in urgent need of assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56305/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The person concerned applied for an Exceptional Needs Payment on 14/09/2022.  Further information in support of the person’s application was requested on 05/11/2022.  When this information has been received by my Department the person’s application will be processed promptly, and they will be advised of the outcome in writing.  The delay in requesting additional information from the person in this case is regretted.

I would emphasise to the Deputy that when the Community Welfare Service becomes aware that a customer has an urgent or immediate need, every effort is made to ensure that the person receives a prompt service.  Where possible, this is a same-day service.

Where an application is complete and accompanied by the required documentation, it is generally processed in a matter of days.  Delays can arise where a person makes an application without all of the necessary supporting documentation.  It is important that anyone applying for Supplementary Welfare Allowance should provide as much information as possible when sending in their application.  This will enable a decision to be made more quickly for them.

The delivery of crucial community welfare services to meet the challenges and the needs of citizens across the country is a priority for the Government and for the Department of Social Protection.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.