280. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when exceptional needs payment to assist with funeral costs in respect of his wife (RIP) will be paid in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46017/24]

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income.  An ANP application can be made for assistance with funeral and burial expenses where there is an inability to pay these costs, in part or in full, by the family of the deceased person without causing hardship.

According to Departmental records, no application for assistance towards funeral expenses for the deceased person has been received.  It is open to the person concerned to apply for assistance by completing a SWA1 form and providing all relevant documents in support of their application.  For convenience, an application pack has been posted to persons' home address.  On receipt of a completed application form and supporting documentation, the claim will be assessed, and the person concerned will be advised of the outcome in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.