282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when an ENP for assistance with house kit out can be granted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46019/24]

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.  This is an overarching term used to refer to Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs) and Urgent Needs Payments (UNPs), and certain supplements to assist with ongoing or recurring costs that cannot be met from a person’s own resources, and which are deemed to be necessary.  ANPs are means tested and administered by Designated Persons in the Community Welfare Service considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.  As part of the application process, a person must provide personal, financial, household, and other information in support of their claim to determine eligibility and to establish a need as considered necessary.

Departmental records show that the person concerned applied for an ANP in May 2024 for assistance with the cost of her new home.  As a tenancy agreement for the allocated property was not supplied with the person’s claim, the application was returned to her along with a request for the outstanding tenancy agreement to be provided.  Departmental records show that the application and requested information has not been returned to date and no further application for assistance under the SWA scheme has been received.

If the person concerned is experiencing financial difficulties, they can reapply for assistance by completing a SWA1 form and providing all relevant documents in support of their application.  On receipt of a completed application form and supporting documentation, the person's claim will be assessed, and she will be advised of the outcome in writing.  Alternatively, if the person concerned has a verified MyGovID account she can apply for an ANP at www.MyWelfare.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.