Home Loan Scheme

Wednesday, 21 March 2018

Questions (334)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

334. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the reason carer's allowance paid by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is not considered income under the new home loan scheme introduced by his Department in view of the fact that private lenders will consider this as income for mortgage assessment purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13170/18]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is not, as a general rule, available to those in receipt of unemployment or other social welfare benefits. However, where there is a primary income of a waged or salaried nature, long-term state benefit payments may be considered. State benefit payments allowable are:

- State Pension (Contributory);

- State pension (Non-Contributory);

- Widow’s / Widower’s Pension;

- Blind Pension;

- Invalidity Pension;

- Disability Allowance.

The long-term nature of the payment must be confirmed by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These applicants are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and can be referred to the relevant local authority's Credit Committee for a final decision.

Further information is available on the dedicated website, www.rebuildingirelandhomeloan.ie.