Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
483. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the rent supplement option to vulnerable persons who are privately renting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25429/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing policy and the provision of supports to those in the private rented sector is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Rent supplement continues to play a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation, with the scheme supporting 7,598 active recipients at the end of May 2024.
The 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 or income, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
Access to Rent Supplement can be provided on referral by Tusla or by prescribed Tusla-funded service providers. This provides victims of domestic violence with a fast track approval and screening process with a simplified means test to get immediate access to rent supplement so that they are not prevented from leaving their home because of financial concerns.
My Department operates a flexible policy on a case-by-case basis that allows for higher rent supplement payments in certain circumstances. Special arrangements are also in place under the Interim Tenancy Sustainment Protocol and the National Tenancy Sustainment Framework to prevent customers entering homelessness where it was difficult to maintain and/or source available rental properties.
In addition, my Department, in conjunction with Threshold, operates a special protocol in the Dublin, Cork, Kildare, Galway, Meath and Wicklow areas where supply issues are particularly acute. Threshold advise, advocate and intervene on behalf of individuals or families in receipt of rent supplement who are in danger of losing their tenancies.
The Homeless Housing Assistance Payment scheme assists people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It gives more targeted support to tenants than the regular HAP scheme. The Homeless HAP scheme is also known as the Place Finder Service and is managed by local authorities.
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.
