Written answers
Wednesday, 6 July 2022
Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
Housing Policy
Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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74. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the other supports, if any, that are available to assist with rental payments in order for a family to avoid homelessness in the instance that the family is removed from the social housing waiting list as a result of the income threshold being met and that the family is in receipt of only a payment from the Department of Social Protection. [36504/22]
John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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77. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the options that are open to persons who are in receipt of illness benefit and have been advised by their local council that they are not eligible to apply for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36548/22]
Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 77 together.
Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority in accordance with eligibility and need criteria set down in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations.
It is open to anyone to apply for social housing support, irrespective of their source of income. That said, 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 provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities may also disregard temporary, short-term or once-off income. Local authorities have no discretion to exceed the limits applying to their administrative areas.
Income is assessed based on an applicant's 12 months’ net average income immediately prior to application. This ensures the most comprehensive picture of a household’s current and previous income when the eligibility assessment is carried out. It also ensures fairness and equity in the system and that those with a continuing long-term need are prioritised. Households deemed ineligible for social housing may reapply and be reassessed for support at any stage.
Housing for All was published in September 2021 and, as part of a broad suite of social housing reforms, committed to reviewing income eligibility for social housing. The review has been completed and I will make a decision on its findings and recommendations shortly.
Rent Supplement may also be available for people in the private rented sector, subject to meeting the relevant qualifying conditions., if there has been a recent change in the household’s circumstances and short-term rent support is required.
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