Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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640. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person receiving rent allowance will have the allowance reduced if transferring from a community employment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53301/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Rent supplement continues its vital role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting approximately 24,800 recipients at a total cost €179.5 million for 2018.

Rent supplement is subject to a means test that is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of their rent, has at least an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) less a minimum contribution towards their rent. The current weekly minimum contribution is €30 for a single adult household and €40 for a couple.

The rent supplement assessment provides for a gradual withdrawal of payment as hours of employment or earnings increase. Income from Community Employment (CE), in excess of the standard SWA weekly rate of payment attracts an additional income disregard and is assessed as follows; the first €75 of such additional income together with 25% of any additional income above €75 is disregarded for means assessment purposes. This ensures that the amount of rent supplement payable is appropriate to the person’s family circumstances whilst providing an incentive for earning additional income, ensuring a pathway back to employment.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.