Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 June 2019
218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the correct level of rent support payable in the case of a recipient of invalidity pension paying a rent of €500 per month; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24732/19]
View answerRent supplement continues its important role in housing families and individuals, with the scheme supporting some 20,600 recipients for which the Government has provided €132.4 million for 2019.
Rent supplement is a statutory means tested scheme; payable at differentiated rates of payment according to the applicant’s means and accommodation requirements. It is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) appropriate to their family circumstances less a weekly minimum contribution which recipients are required to pay from their own resources.
The frequency and the amount of rent supplement support being provided is primarily based on:
- the means assessment of the individual;
- their employment status; and
- the amount and frequency of rent being paid.
Assuming that the person concerned has no other income, apart from an invalidity pension, then the level of rent support provided would be about €361 per month. This can be calculated by subtracting the minimum contribution expected (€32 per week or €129 per month) away from the monthly rent agreed to be paid to the landlord (in this case €500).
Given the nature of the means assessment for rent supplement, and the different types of cases that can present, the calculation provided should be seen as indicative only. If the Deputy has concerns in respect of a particular case, he should bring the details to the attention of the Department as soon as possible.
