Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

546. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of current recipients of rent supplement; and the number of recipients of rent supplement in 2018, 2019 and 2020, in tabular form. [11520/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Rent supplement continues to play a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation, with the scheme currently supporting 19,900 active recipients.

Rent Supplement is a means-tested payment and is available as a short-term income support to those in the private rented sector. In view of the difficulties created for many in the private rented sector that have lost significant employment income at this time, including persons in casual or self-employment, the Department of Social Protection will use the full flexibility of the scheme to provide the necessary support.

Since the introduction of HAP, rent supplement continues to revert to its original role of providing short-term support to those who have become temporarily unemployed and require income support to meet their tenancy cost whilst they seek alternative employment.

Rent supplement recipients at year end for 2018, 2019 and 2020 is provided in the attached tabular statement.

Tabular Statement

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.