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Social Welfare Benefits Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 October 2018

Thursday, 4 October 2018

Questions (226, 253)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

226. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if, in view of the ongoing housing crisis, changes to the rent-a-room scheme will be considered that would remove the barriers for uptake by which persons with spare bedrooms do not wish to rent them out, as the income generated from doing so would render them ineligible for certain means-tested social welfare payments; the steps she will take to address this anomaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40580/18]

View answer

Róisín Shortall

Question:

253. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if changes to the assessment of rental income that is generated under the rent-a-room scheme for the calculation of means in order that it does not impact on means-tested payments will be considered in view of the ongoing housing crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40578/18]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 253 together.

Social welfare legislation provides that for social assistance schemes, such as jobseeker’s allowance, disability allowance and one-parent family payment, all income and capital (such as savings, investments and property other than the family home) belonging to the claimant and his or her spouse/partner, where applicable, are assessable for means assessment purposes.

However, in the case of the State Pension (Non-Contributory) and Widow's/Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Pension (Non-Contributory), where recipients would otherwise be living alone, social welfare legislation provides that rental income is fully disregarded for means-testing purposes.

For all other social assistance schemes, where an individual is renting part of their family home, the cash value of the rental income is assessed. However, such rental income is reduced by a range of deductions. These include:

i. a proportion of any mortgage interest paid by the claimant on the part of the property rented;

ii. a 15% deduction for voids (i.e. periods when the accommodation is vacant between lettings); and,

iii. if the rooms let are furnished, a 5% deduction for wear and tear.

In this regard, the cash value of any rental income is not assessed in full, as at least 20% of such income is disregarded.

Fully disregarding all rental income would run contrary to the policy of ensuring that social welfare expenditure is targeted to those who need it the most. It could also potentially negatively impact on the incentive to work for working age recipients.

Any change to my Department’s means assessment policies would have to be considered in the overall policy and budgetary context.

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