Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1347.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. [32625/24]

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).

Amongst other qualifying conditions for RS, a person must be fully unemployed or in part time employment only. A person cannot qualify for RS if they are in full time employment of 30 hours or more per week.

According to the records of my Department, the person concerned applied for RS and their claim was disallowed on the basis that they are in full time employment. The person concerned was advised of this outcome in writing on 15/07/2024.

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 Designated Persons 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 applied for an ANP on 10/06/2024 for assistance with the cost of utility bills. A request for additional information in support of their application was issued to the person concerned on 17/06/2024 and 02/07/2024.

Upon receipt of all the necessary documentation the person’s claim will be assessed promptly and they will be advised of the outcome in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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1348.To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an application for the working family payment by a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32640/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Working Family Payment (WFP), formerly Family Income Supplement, is a weekly in-work support which provides an income top-up for employees on low earnings with children. To qualify for Working Family Payment the customer must have at least 1 qualified child who normally resides with them and be working a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight in ongoing insurable employment.

An application for WFP was received from the person concerned on 4th July 2024. The deciding officer has contacted the person concerned requesting further information. When the information is received, the deciding officer will review the claim and the person concerned will be advised in writing of the claim decision. If awarded, any payments owed will be issued as arrears to their nominated bank account.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.