Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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177. To ask the Minister for Social Protection to explain the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 was refused an exceptional needs payment to assist in paying a deposit and the first month's rent for a new dwelling; and whether the person will now be granted the payment. [45222/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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On 10^thNovember 2014 the person concerned enquired about applying for an exceptional needs payment to cover the cost of the first month’s rent for his new accommodation. The landlord for this accommodation does not accept rent supplement; the person concerned was therefore advised that an exceptional needs payment cannot be paid in lieu of rent supplement in circumstances where rent supplement is not accepted by a landlord.

The only financial assistance that the Department can provide is in respect of costs associated with a move, and any needs a person might have regarding the furnishing of new accommodation. The person concerned was provided with the necessary application form in the event that he wishes to apply for financial assistance in this regard.

There are no further options open to the person concerned in relation to assistance from this Department with his rent unless the landlord of his proposed new accommodation is willing to accept rent supplement.