Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2004
870 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason there has been a reduction of rent support in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11454/04]
View answerThe South Western Area Health Board was contacted regarding this case. It advised that the amount of rent supplement was reviewed to take account of a recently born second child.
The amount of supplement paid in respect of March 2004 was incorrectly calculated. The matter was rectified and a cheque for the revised amount plus arrears will issue this week.
The revised amount takes account of the fact that the mother has not received the increase in her one-parent family payment due in respect of her second child. Therefore, a higher rent supplement is being paid. The payment of an additional amount will continue until she receives her full entitlement of one-parent family payment.
The board has advised that the level of rent supplement will be further reviewed when the increase is made in her one-parent family payment in respect of her second child. As a result there will be a reduction in her rent supplement.
871 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which a person (details supplied) in County Kildare can meet their rent payments while penalised in respect of alleged previous overpayment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11455/04]
View answerRent supplements are provided for under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme and are subject to a means test. Recipients of rent supplement are required to notify the health board of any change in their household income as it may affect the amount payable.
The person concerned took up part-time employment but failed to notify the health board of the increase in household income. When the matter came to light the person concerned was made aware of the board's intention to recoup the sum involved. The present amount of rent supplement incorporates a deduction of €20 per month in respect of the overpayment. As a matter of practise overpayments incurred in such circumstances must be recovered. It is a matter for the health board to make appropriate arrangements to recover the money.
