Michael Healy-Rae
Question:334. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent allowance was refused to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23671/16]
View answerThursday, 21 July 2016
Questions (334)
Written answers
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, disallowed the rent supplement appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned was notified of the decision on 12 July 2016.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, it is a requirement that a person would pay a minimum contribution towards the rent (currently €30 per week for a single person). The governing legislation provides that all income is to be considered in the means assessment with a view to determining whether any or all is to be taken into account when calculating any entitlement to rent supplement. The person concerned is in receipt of disability allowance and disablement benefit from the Department and the legislation does not exclude these payments from the assessment of means for rent supplement.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.