Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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456. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the correct level of rent supplement payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8111/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Rent Supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that for those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.

Amongst other qualifying criteria, a Rent Supplement applicant must have been living in private rented housing for a period of 183 days within the previous 12 months of the date of their application. Further information on the qualifying criteria for this payment can be found at www.gov.ie.

Persons with a long-term housing need should contact their local authority where information is available regarding suitable housing supports including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

The person concerned has not recently made an application for Rent Supplement support. If, however he feels he currently meets the necessary qualifying criteria, he can apply for a Rent Supplement by completing a SWA RS1 form. For the person’s convenience, an application form together with a request for all supporting documentation has issued to him by post. When the necessary documentation has been returned to my Department, the person’s entitlement will be assessed, and he will be advised of the outcome in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter.