Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015
1027. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware the waiting time for assessments under the housing assistance payment scheme or social housing may be three or more months in some areas, which is resulting in the risk of homelessness for persons who are awaiting acceptance under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37193/15]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is deemed to be a social housing support under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014. It should be noted that as a long term housing support, an assessment of housing need must be completed in order for a household to qualify for HAP. The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 provide that subject to conditions, a housing authority shall deal with such an application within a period of 12 weeks. Local authorities will prioritise housing needs assessments for those in greatest need and average waiting times are significantly shorter that the statutory maximum in many areas. The implementation of the HAP scheme is a key Government priority and a major pillar of the Social Housing Strategy. Local Authorities and the Department of Social Protection are working closely together in order to ensure the successful implementation of the scheme.
In the circumstances described where an individual is at risk of homelessness, both Exceptional Needs Payments and Rent Supplement Payments available under the Department of Social Protection’s Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme, can be utilised. While, in general, Rent Supplement is paid once an assessment of housing need has been completed, Exceptional Needs Payments are made on an entirely discretionary basis.
Questions in relation to payments under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme are a matter for my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection.
