Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 September 2024
201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for rent supplement will be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37048/24]
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).
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.
As previously advised to the Deputy in my reply to Dáil Question 1347, 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 Community Welfare Officers in the Community Welfare Service (CWS) considering the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case.
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 .
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
