Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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538. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the reason persons (details supplied) whose only source of income is social welfare have been deemed ineligible for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1665/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Decisions on eligibility for social housing support are a matter solely for local authorities with reference to eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 (as amended). 

The Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, with income defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The Policy defines net income for social housing assessment purposes as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. The Policy also provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities may also disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature. However, with limited exceptions, income from social insurance and social assistance payments, allowances and benefits, and occupational and social welfare pensions (from whatever source, including from abroad) is assessable.

Accordingly, applicants whose net income, including income from pensions, exceeds the prescribed income limits will not be eligible for social housing support.

More detail on what income is assessable and the full list of disregards is available on the Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/fb1f2-social-housing-support-household-means-policy/