Neale Richmond
Question:30. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Social Protection the way that victims of domestic violence can access rent supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5310/22]
View answerThursday, 3 February 2022
Questions (30)
Written answers
Responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims of domestic violence is a cross government body of work involving the Department of Justice, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) and associated agencies. The co-ordination of the services addressing the needs of these customers is managed by the Child and Family Agency, Tusla. The accommodation needs of victims of domestic violence are met through this joined-up service delivery model provided by Tusla, with the close involvement of the various housing authorities nationwide. I introduced important changes for victims of domestic violence so that the standard rent supplement means test does not apply for an initial three month period. After three-months, a further three-month extension may be provided, subject to the usual rent supplement means assessment. After six months, if the tenant has a long-term housing need, they can apply to their local housing authority for social housing supports and, if eligible, will be able to access the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), a social housing support provided by Local Authorities.Access to rent supplement is additional and complementary to the range of other supports already in place for victims of domestic violence. Following a review involving all key stakeholders, I have ensured that victims of domestic violence will be granted easier access to rent supplement on a permanent basis. This means that they can continue to get immediate access to rent supplement and are not prevented from leaving their home because of financial concerns.There are 48 victims of domestic violence currently being supported under these arrangements, with 177 cases supported since the change came into operation in August 2020. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.