Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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195. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if rent supplement or other assistance is available to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27785/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Rent Supplement (RS) scheme 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 those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment, can continue to meet their rental commitments.

Supports from this Department are not intended to cover circumstances where another Government Department or Agency has the primary responsibility. 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).

To qualify for RS, a person must be in a lawful tenancy and have received a RS payment within 12 months of the date of application. Alternatively they must have been residing in private rented accommodation for a period of 183 days within the preceding 12 months of the date of claim for RS, where on commencement of the tenancy the person could have reasonably afforded the rent and has since experienced a substantial change in his or her circumstances where they are now unable to pay the rent.

RS is also available for people who have been living in housing for homeless persons or an institution for 183 days or more during the 12 months before the application, and who do not qualify for social housing support.

If the person concerned needs assistance with their rent but does not meet these conditions, they should contact their local authority to have their housing needs assessed.

Departmental records show that the person concerned has not made an application for RS. If the person meets the conditions outlined above, they can apply for assistance by completing a SWA RS1 form which is available in all Intreo Centres and Branch Offices. It can also be requested by calling 0818 60 70 80 and by using this link www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. A completed application form together with any supporting documentation can be returned directly to my Department where the claim will be processed quickly.

Further information on all of my Department’s schemes and payments is available at www.gov.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.