Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 July 2024
365. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether an exceptional needs payment, or similar, can be made in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29058/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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).
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, 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.
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. This form is available in all Intreo Centres and can also be requested by calling the National CWS freephone line at 0818 60 70 80 or at www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. Alternatively, if the person concerned has a verified MyGovID account they can apply for an ANP, at www.MyWelfare.ie.
