Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 263: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the instances in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 where rent supplement was paid in excess of the rent caps; the average amount in excess that was paid; the reason given for the payment in particular the instances where homelessness was a factor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15359/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. The general practice is that rent supplement is not paid where the rent is above the relevant limit. However rent supplement may be paid in cases where the rent is above the relevant limit in the following circumstances:

Ø Where there are special housing needs related to exceptional circumstances (in particular, for example, a person with a disability in specially-adapted accommodation or homeless persons whose housing needs cannot be met within the standard terms of the rent supplement scheme etc.)

Ø Where the person concerned is entitled to an income disregard AND has sufficient income to meet his or her basic needs after paying rent, taking into account the appropriate rate of rent supplement that is otherwise payable in the case. "Sufficient income" in this context means the relevant basic supplementary welfare allowance rate less the prescribed minimum contribution to rent.

Ø Where the tenant will be in a position to re-assume responsibility for his/her rent within a short period. For this purpose, a guideline period of no longer than 6 to 8 weeks is suggested but where there are exceptional circumstances, an extension up to a total of 12 weeks may be allowed.

Statistics are not available on the exact number of cases where rent supplement was paid in excess of the maximum rent limit. New maximum rent limits came into force on 1 January 2012. These new limits are in line with the most up to date market data available. The emphasis of the rent supplement limit review was to ensure that maximum value for money for tenants and the taxpayer was achieved whilst at the same time ensuring that people on rent supplement are not priced out of the market for private rented accommodation. Department officials dealing with rent supplement tenants will continue to ensure that their accommodation needs are met; there will no incidence of homelessness due to these changes.