Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024
214. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to take the necessary steps to ensure that eligibility for housing subsidies is based on available household income after deduction of essential household expenditure such as health expenses, energy and heating expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7041/24]
View answerApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority in different bands according to the area concerned, with income defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy.
The income threshold is the basic measure of whether a household is eligible for social housing support. The determination of whether an applicant meets the income criteria is based on a calculation of net income. Net income means income tax, universal social charge, additional superannuation contribution and PRSI are deducted from the relevant gross assessable income.
The Household Means Policy provides for a range of income disregards and local authorities have discretion to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature.
My Department keeps the Household Means Policy under regular review in order to ensure that it continues to be appropriate.
