Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 272: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent supplement was reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if account will be taken of the current rent of €650 per month of which €470.00 must be paid by the person who is finding it increasingly difficult to do so. [12621/04]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Rent supplement is subject to a means test. Therefore, any change in the level of household income may affect the amount payable.

The South Western Area Health Board was contacted about the case. It advised that the rent supplement paid up to February was based on household income that comprised of disability benefit and maintenance payments. Recently the person concerned was awarded the one-parent family payment. Accordingly, her rent supplement was reviewed to take account of the increase in household income. She now receives the one-parent family payment, half personal rate disability benefit and maintenance payments.

The person concerned is in receipt of the maximum amount of rent supplement payable having regard to her circumstances.