Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Rent Supplement (RS) scheme administered by my Department, 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 responsibility for the provision of rent support to those with a long-term housing need has transferred from the Department of Social Protection to the local authorities. 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 RS and a letter subsequently issued to them in which they were asked to provide additional documentation in support of their application. While the requested documentation has been partly received, the following item remains outstanding:

• Proof of rent paid from the person's own resources for six months out of past twelve months.

Upon receipt of the requested documentation, the person's application will be assessed, and they will be advised of the outcome in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter.