Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
464. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if rent supplement can be paid to a person who works more than 30 hours per week to prevent homelessness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54597/23]
View answerRent supplement continues to play a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation, with the scheme supporting 8,150 active recipients at the end of November 2023.
The scheme provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment or income, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
A person will not qualify for rent supplement if they are in full-time employment for 30 hours or more per week. Claims are assessed on the individual circumstances of each case and applicants must satisfy the entire eligibility criteria for entitlement to rent supplement.
Responsibility for the provision of rental assistance to those with a long-term housing need rests with Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Under Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), you are allowed to work full-time while still receiving housing support. The engagement of people in employment is one of the key benefits for both individuals and their families under the Housing Assistance Payment.
The Homeless HAP scheme assists people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It gives more targeted support to tenants than the regular HAP scheme. The Homeless HAP scheme is also known as the Place Finder Service and is managed by local authorities.
Additional Needs Payment are also available to assist those who have essential expenses, such as rent deposits, rent in advance and household bills, that they cannot pay from their weekly income.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
