Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left)
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204. To ask the Minister for Social Protection her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding rent supplement. [26334/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned has been in receipt of rent supplement from this Department since December 2013 while she was simultaneously studying for her primary degree.

This is now, she indicates, completed and she is proposing to pursue a new course of study i.e. a Master’s Degree and wishes for the rent supplement payment to be continued for the duration of the degree. She has previously sought, and been given, advice in relation to her entitlements under proposed scenario. In the scenario outlined a person would not be entitled to supplementary welfare allowance, including rent allowance, while engaged in full-time education – other than within circumstances provided for under legislation. These are as follows: (a) a scheme administered by the Minister for Education and Science and known as the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, (b) a scheme administered by the Minister and known as Back to Education Allowance, (c ) such other course of education as the Minister may, from time to time, approve.

The Master’s degree that is intended to be pursued does not come under the circumstances prescribed within the relevant legislation and she has been advised accordingly. It is, of course, open to her to make an application for rent supplement allowance and, if unhappy with the decision issued, make an appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.