Written answers

Thursday, 14 June 2018

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Rent Supplement Scheme Eligibility

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

238. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for rent support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26144/18]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The purpose of Rent Supplement is to assist as a short term support scheme. Under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme, responsibility for the provision of rental assistance to those with a long term housing need rests with the Local Authorities. It is important therefore to establish which scheme best fits the persons individual circumstances.

HAP has been designed to simplify the current system of housing supports, and it allows households that obtain full-time employment to remain in the scheme, whereas Rent Supplement is not generally payable where a person or their spouse or partner is in full-time employment, i.e. for 30 hours or more a week. Under HAP, a recipient pays their ‘differential rent’ based on household weekly income in the same way differential rents are charged to tenants in Local Authority housing.

For Rent Supplement, applicants must meet certain qualifying criteria and satisfy a means test in order to determine eligibility for Rent Supplement.

Applicants must have been renting for 183 days in the last 12 months, provide proof of this with a rent book, payment receipts, utility bills and/or bank lodgements. Applicants must have their housing needs assessed by the local authority.

According to the records of this Department, the person concerned has not submitted an application for a rent supplement payment. The person concerned is advised to contact their Local Authority in the first instance and failing this, they should apply for Rent Supplement.

A Rent Supplement application form (SWARS1) was sent to the person concerned on 12/6/18. They should fully complete the application form and return it to their Intreo centre with the required supporting documentation to include a current lease with proof of ownership from the landlord, 6 months bank statements/proof of savings, proof of income and details of any property owned. The application will be processed and a written decision will issue on completion of this assessment.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.