Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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275. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if and when rent supplement will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43289/23]

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).

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for Rent Supplement on 13/09/2023. On the same day a request issued to the person in which they were asked to return the following information by 03/10/2023:

• Proof of rent for 6 of the past 12 months• Tenancy agreement• 2 utility bills• 6 months statements for all financial accounts held by members of the household• Proof of ownership from the landlord

As this information has not yet been received, the person’s application cannot be progressed. The person should return this information to the National Rent Supplement Section in the Community Welfare Service so that a decision can be made on their claim.

I trust this clarifies the matter.