Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1309.To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if rent or other special assistance might be payable in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31939/24]

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). The persons concerned have previously advised that their housing need is long-term and stated the type of housing requirement. It appears from documentation provided to my Department that their requirements may have changed. If this is the case, they should keep their local authority informed to ensure that the possibility of a future allocation will not be affected. It is also recommended that where there may be a medical requirement for housing at this time that this too would be indicated to their local authority.

Among other qualifying conditions for RS, a person must on commencement of the tenancy, have been able to reasonably afford the rent and have since experienced a substantial change in his or her circumstances where they are now unable to pay the rent.

According to the records of my Department and as previously advised to the Deputy, the person concerned applied for RS and their claim was disallowed as it was deemed that they were unable to afford the rent at the commencement of tenancy. It was also noted that the rent for their property is significantly above comparable rents in their area and is substantially above the maximum rent limit for the person’s family circumstances. The person concerned was advised of this outcome in writing on 12/06/2024.

It is open to the person concerned to request an appeal of this decision in writing, including any facts/evidence/documentation in support of their case, to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, D'Olier House, D'Olier Street, Dublin, D02 XY3. The Social Welfare Appeals office operates independently of this Department.

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income. SWA payments are means tested and are administered by Community Welfare Officers in the Community Welfare Service (CWS) considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.

Departmental records show that the person concerned has not made an application for assistance under the SWA scheme. If the person concerned is experiencing financial difficulties with household/cost-of-living expenses, it is open to them to make an application for assistance by completing a SWA1 form. For convenience, an application pack has been posted to their home address. On receipt of a completed application form and supporting documentation, the claim will be assessed, and the person will be advised of the outcome in writing. Alternatively, if the persons concerned have a verified MyGovID account they can apply for an ANP at .

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1310.To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for carer’s allowance can be examined (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31942/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.

I confirm that my Department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 05 June 2024.

CA was awarded to the person concerned on 16 July 2024, with effect from 05 October 2023 and the first payment will issue to the nominated bank account account on 25 July 2024. Arrears of CA from 05 October 2023 to 24 July 2024 will also issue on 25 July 2024.

The person concerned was notified of this decision on 16 July 2024.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1311.To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) has an entitlement to illness benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31944/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My department received an application for Illness Benefit from the person concerned on 2nd July 2024. This claim has been awarded, and it has been backdated from 27th January 2024 to date.

Arrears have issued to the person concerned, paying them fully up to date. Their payment will be €181.70 each week going forward provided they have submitted up to date medical certification. They are currently certified until 21st July 2024.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.