Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2013
400. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when an appeal for a higher rate of rent support will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if she will acknowledge receipt of additional medical information in support of this appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23644/13]
View answerThe person concerned was notified in October 2012 that his entitlement to rent supplement would cease on 31 January 2013 because the rent being paid exceeded the maximum rent for which a supplement is payable.
The person concerned notified the Department that they had submitted an appeal in relation to the decision to suspend the rent supplement claim. However, the Social Welfare Appeals Office has no record of an appeal having been received.
In November 2012, it was decided to continue payment of rent supplement for a further three months, to 30 April 2013, in order to allow the person additional time to seek a reduction in rent from the landlord or to seek alternative accommodation that fell within the rental limit applicable to the family circumstances.
As there was no change in the circumstances following this extended period, the rent supplement was suspended on 30 April 2013.
The Department has received medical information regarding the person concerned. In light of the medical circumstances outlined, it has been decided to afford the person a further opportunity to negotiate a reduction in rent with the landlord or to seek alternative accommodation within the rent limits appropriate to the family circumstances. Accordingly, the rent supplement will continue until the end of June 2013, at which time the claim will again be reviewed.
