Written Answers Nos. 45-53
45. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if an increase in rent support will be authorised for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35100/15]
View answerAny changes in a client’s circumstances that may affect their entitlements should be immediately notified to the Department. The client concerned should submit to the Department an up to date Rent Supplement application form and lease agreement confirming any increase in their monthly rent. On receipt of this documentation, the client's rate of Rent Supplement entitlement can be re-assessed.
46. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if rent support will be increased in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose rent has been increased from €850 to €950 per month ; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35104/15]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that this question was answered in reply to Parliamentary Question No 73 of 24th September 2015 and Parliamentary Question No 187 of 29th September 2015. The situation remains, as previously outlined, i.e., that the client concerned should provide the Department with an up to date Rent Supplement application form and lease agreement in order for their entitlement to be re-assessed. This documentation has not, to date, been received by the Department.
47. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if and when an increase in rent support will be facilitated for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35105/15]
View answerAny changes in a client’s circumstances that may affect their entitlements should be immediately notified to the Department. The client concerned should submit to the Department an up to date Rent Supplement application form and lease agreement confirming any increase in their monthly rent. On receipt of this documentation, the client's rate of Rent Supplement entitlement can be re-assessed.
48. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if partial rent support will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the case will be urgently reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35106/15]
View answerThe client concerned was found ineligible for Rent Supplement on 19th May 2015 as he is in full time employment. If there has been a change in the client's circumstances, they should re apply for Rent Supplement.
49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare who are on the local authority housing waiting list, but who have been informed of the need to provide increased maintenance for their child; if it is recognised that this couple are potentially homeless; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35109/15]
View answerThe purpose of the Department’s maintenance recovery legislation is to recover some or all of the moneys being expended on social welfare payments for lone parents.
In every case where a one-parent family payment is awarded, the Department seeks to trace the other parent (liable relative) in order to ascertain whether he or she is in a financial position to contribute towards the cost of the one-parent family payment.
Part 12 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended, sets out the legislative basis for the implementation of the Liability to Maintain Family Provisions. The methods of assessment of the liable relative’s ability to pay are specified in detail in Regulations (S.I. 571 of 2006 and S.I. 142 of 2007). The financial and new dependency situation of each liable relative is assessed in detail. The assessment is based on the net weekly income (i.e. income from all sources less income tax and PRSI) with deductions for a personal allowance in respect of personal needs, a child dependant allowance in respect of each child living with the liable relative, and an allowance may also be granted in respect of the liable relative’s accommodation costs. Any maintenance currently being paid to the one parent family recipient is also taken into account.
All liable relatives assessed with maintenance liability are issued with a maintenance assessment setting out the amount of contribution assessed. The amount assessed can be reviewed where new information comes to light about the financial or household circumstances of the liable relative.
In this case the liable relative has been issued with an assessment based on the information available to the Department. If the assessment is incorrect the liable relative should contact the Department and provide any additional information relevant to his case by writing to the following address: Department of Social Protection - Maintenance Recovery Unit, Shannon Lodge, Carrick-on-Shannon Co. Leitrim.
50. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason for the cessation of a jobseeker's allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35112/15]
View answerThe jobseeker’s allowance claim of the person concerned has been suspended since 29th July 2015. An inspector of this Department called to the address furnished by the person concerned and was advised that the person concerned did not reside there. The payment was suspended due to this issue. It is open to the person concerned to contact his local office to pursue the issue further.
51. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if an increase in rent support will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35114/15]
View answerThe client's rate of Rent Supplement has recently been increased as an exceptional measure as this family have extenuating circumstances. As this payment is in excess of the maximum limit it will be subject to ongoing review by the Department.
The client concerned is in receipt of their maximum entitlement to Rent Supplement based on their weekly means and family composition.
52. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if an increase in rent support will be facilitated for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35116/15]
View answerAs detailed to the Deputy in reply to Parliamentary Question No 48 of 24th September 2015, the client concerned was requested on 26 March 2015, to provide the Department with current payslips, a Rent Supplement application form and an up to date lease agreement confirming any increase in monthly rent. This documentation has not, to date, been received by the Department. On receipt of same the client's rate of Rent Supplement entitlement can be assessed.
53. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will indicate if a decision not to award an exceptional needs payment to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be reviewed, and if cognisance will be taken of the person's circumstances, including the payment of funeral bills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35119/15]
View answerAs outlined in reply to the Deputy’s question No. 33251-15 of 29 September 2015, the person concerned undertook to provide written confirmation of the loan she received to pay the bill. This documentation remains outstanding to date. On receipt of same, a decision on the application can be made.
