Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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95. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will consider reviewing the application process for emergency needs’ payments for those seeking assistance with a deposit and first month’s rent to enable her Department to issue a letter of pre-approval to applicants which can be used to reassure landlords and assist them in securing a tenancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15126/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income.

An application may be made under the scheme for assistance with payment of a rent deposit and, if required, assistance can also be provided with rent in advance. A Community Welfare Officer will work with a person to explore options available to them and any assistance that may be provided.

The community welfare service is committed to providing a quality service to all citizens. Applications are processed and decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible, including decisions on rent deposits and rent in advance.

Decisions made by Community Welfare Service are made under statutory provisions. This statutory decision making process cannot be preempted by providing pre approval letters. The Officer will make their decision based on the circumstances of the case and the information before them. Where it is clear that a person has an urgent or immediate need, I can assure the deputy that every effort is made to ensure that the claim is processed promptly, even on the same day, if required.

In 2022, assistance was provided in almost 480 cases in relation to rent deposits and rent in advance, at a cost of over €430,000. The average payments was approximately €920.

For homeless households or households at immediate risk of homelessness, and who have a long term housing need, a Homeless Housing Assistance Payment Place Finder Service is operated by the local authorities. This service provides assistance by sourcing suitable accommodation and by providing access to the payment of a deposit and advance rent on the behalf of the tenant.

I encourage any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.