Richard Bruton
Question:165 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will apply the retention of secondary benefits in a case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [10550/99]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
A person living in private rented accommodation who is receiving a social welfare payment may, in addition, receive a rent supplement under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The person may retain the rent supplement while participating on a community employment scheme. However, if she takes up permanent employment her entitlement to rent supplement becomes subject to a means assessment.
The person concerned has been in receipt of a one-parent family payment for a number of years and she was also receiving a rent supplement payment. She participated on a community enterprise scheme and she retained her rent supplement while on the scheme. When she subsequently took up employment her entitlement to rent supplement was reassessed. Her income from her OPF payment and her earnings exceed the limit for entitlement to rent supplement. There are no arrangements for the retention of rent supplement in such cases.