Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:270. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if child benefit is disregarded in the income assessment for social housing eligibility. [28170/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 2 July 2024
Ceisteanna (270)
Freagraí scríofa
Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy (HMP).
Under the HMP, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. The HMP provides for a range of income disregards, which includes child benefit and local authorities have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature.
The HMP is available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/fb1f2-social-housing-support-household-means-policy/