Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:24. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the rules and regulations governing the approval of rent supplement payments; and his plans to increase the payment. [2902/26]
View answerThursday, 15 January 2026
Questions (24)
Written answers
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 or income, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
The relevant legislation governing the approval of Rent Supplement is listed below:
• Chapter 9 of Part 3 and Chapter 3 of Part 10 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005 (as amended);
• Part 4 of Schedule 3 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 Rules as to Calculation of Means, (as amended);
• Social Welfare (Consolidated Supplementary Welfare Allowance) Regulations 2007 (as amended);
• Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014.
The Operational Guidelines for Rent Supplement are available on Gov.ie.
The number of people availing of Rent Supplement has reduced significantly. The Housing Accommodation Payment scheme and the Rental Accommodation scheme, administered by the local authorities, are now by far the largest schemes providing rental supports.
Accordingly, the issue of a review in the rent limits is a matter for the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I understand the Minister has approved the commencement of a review of Housing Assistance Payment rent limits. Officials from my Department will provide input to this review where appropriate. Any changes to the Rent Supplement limits will be considered in the context of the outcome of the Housing Assistance Payment review.
Insofar as Rent Supplement is concerned, my Department operates a flexible policy on a case-by-case basis that allows for higher Rent Supplement payments in certain circumstances.
Additional Needs Payment are also available to assist those who have essential expenses, such as rent deposits, rent in advance and household bills, that they cannot pay from their weekly income.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.