Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
267 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent allowance has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23963/04]
View answerRent supplements are provided for under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which is administered on my behalf by the health boards. They are subject to a means test and therefore any change in the level of household income may affect the amount of supplement payable. The South Western Area Health Board was contacted regarding this case and has advised that, following a periodic review, the amount of rent supplement in payment was reduced in March 2004 to take account of an increase in the level of household income. The board has further advised that the amount of supplement paid for the period from March 2004 to September 2004 was incorrect and, as a result, the person in question has been overpaid. In the circumstances the board does not intend to seek repayment of the overpayment. The revised correct amount of rent supplement is due to go into payment this month.
